Rory McIlroy Stunned as Secret to His Swing Exposed on Live TV at the US Open

Rory McIlroy Stunned as Secret to His Swing Exposed on Live TV at the US Open

In an unexpected twist at the US Open, Rory McIlroy found himself at a loss for words after learning that one of his trusted coaches had revealed a crucial detail about his game improvement on live television. The Northern Irishman, who is vying to end his decade-long wait for a major title, was left taken aback when his putting coach, Brad Faxon, shared insights into McIlroy’s recent breakthrough moment.

A Decade-Long Wait for Glory

As McIlroy approaches the final round of the US Open at Pinehurst in North Carolina, he stands just three shots behind the leader Bryson DeChambeau. Finishing Saturday with a one-under round of 69, McIlroy is tied for second place at four-under overall, alongside Patrick Cantlay and Matthieu Pavon. This puts him in a prime position to clinch his first major title since the 2014 PGA Championship.

The Eureka Moment Revealed

The incident that left McIlroy stunned occurred when Faxon, who was working as a pundit for NBC Sports, discussed a pivotal moment in McIlroy’s game. According to Faxon, McIlroy had an epiphany during a flight back from the Memorial Tournament in Toronto. Recalling the moment, Faxon said McIlroy turned to his agent Sean O’Flaherty and exclaimed, “Sean, I just figured it out. I figured out my swing.”

Faxon, an eight-time winner on the PGA Tour, described this revelation as a true ‘eureka moment’. He explained how McIlroy demonstrated the new technique right there in the airplane aisle, noting that McIlroy began standing a little closer to the ball.

Live TV Revelation

The revelation came to light when NBC colleague Kira Dixon, who also works for Sky Sports Golf, relayed Faxon’s commentary to McIlroy after his Saturday round. Dixon asked, “Our NBC colleague Brad Faxon was saying on the broadcast that you had a bit of a ‘eureka moment’ on the plane from the Memorial Tournament back home. You figured something out, you got up and you were making some practice swings apparently. Is this true and what is the eureka moment?”

McIlroy’s Reaction

McIlroy, visibly surprised and momentarily speechless, responded, “Okay…it may be true. I don’t know if I want to disclose it right now. It’s nice to know that Fax is sort of giving away all of our secrets!” Dixon tried to lighten the mood as McIlroy laughed and added, “No, I know, I know, but…we spend a lot of times on planes and I spend a lot of time thinking about my game in the air. Sometimes things come to me.”

The Final Round Showdown

With the final round looming, McIlroy is poised to make a serious challenge for the US Open title. He will tee off with Patrick Cantlay, a competitor with whom he shares a contentious history. The two had a heated exchange involving Cantlay’s caddie, Joe LaCava, during the Ryder Cup in September, which escalated into a car park argument.

McIlroy, who won his first major at the 2011 US Open, is now focused on overcoming DeChambeau’s three-shot lead and securing another major victory. As the golfing world watches, the revelation of his secret swing breakthrough adds an intriguing layer to his quest for glory at Pinehurst.