Rory McIlroy and Sergio Garcia Make History at Pinehurst

Rory McIlroy and Sergio Garcia tamed Pinehurst No. 2 on Thursday like few others have in the U.S. Open.

Two of the most decorated European players in men’s golf became the sixth and seventh golfers to shoot a bogey-free round in the U.S. Open at Pinehurst.

Garcia, who now plies his trade on LIV Golf and had to qualify through regional competition, fired a 1-under 69 to become the first person to log a bogey-free round at Pinehurst No. 2 since Martin Kaymer in 2014.

Proud 👌🏼

— Sergio Garcia (@TheSergioGarcia) June 14, 2024

Garcia said:

“Obviously to shoot under par in a U.S. Open, which is a championship that I love, it’s always great. To go bogey-free is even greater. It’s something that I give a lot of respect to, and I’m very proud of.”

It wouldn’t be another 10 years before the feat was matched.

McIlroy’s 5-under 65 was also without a blemish, and his birdie on the final hole tied him for the lead after 18 holes.

RORY. McILROY. T-1!

His bogey-free 65 (-5) had it all: A 329-yard driver stinger, a chip-in, and an early walk-in birdie on 18.

This is his 32nd round of 67 or better in a major since 2010, the most of any player in that span. #Qi10Driver #TP5x
pic.twitter.com/CdBZ3fpGzc

— TaylorMade Golf (@TaylorMadeGolf) June 13, 2024

The Northern Irishman, chasing his first major win in 10 years, said he learned a lot from being paired with Scottie Scheffler at the Masters.

McIlroy said after his round on Thursday:

“The amount of bogey-free rounds he plays and he shoots is phenomenal, and that’s the secret to winning major championships and winning big-time golf tournaments is more limiting the mistakes rather than making a ton of birdies.”

Cover Image via Planet Sport