Rory McIlroy's nightmarish Open Championship first round included the unluckiest roll back into the bunker

There isn’t a sport that can humble the best players quite like golf can. And for Rory McIlroy, the golf gods just haven’t been on his side lately.

McIlroy took some time away from golf after his brutal collapse at the U.S. Open, returning refreshed last week for a fourth-place finish at the Genesis Scottish Open. But The Open Championship at Royal Troon is a different animal. The course — combined with unfavorable elements — can wreak havoc on even the best golfers.

It got so bad for McIlroy on Thursday that he essentially played himself out of contention in the opening round. McIlroy shot an abysmal 77, putting him at seven-over par and tied for 133rd. No moment summed up his day quite like the bunker shot on the eighth hole, known as “The Postage Stamp.”

Royal Troon is claiming victims at The Open Championship.

Awesome example of what happens in these bunkers. You can make an easy bogey, but if you want a par you often need to take a big risk.

Rory paid the price. The mistakes you can’t make and claim the Claret Jug. pic.twitter.com/2bD5f8IALc

— Rick Golfs (@Top100Rick) July 18, 2024

McIlroy played his shot out of the bunker only to watch the ball reach the edge of the green and roll right back where it came from … in the bunker. A true boomerang shot at the worst time.

McIlroy settled for a double bogey on the hole, and it honestly could have gone worse. Still, there won’t be any bounce-back performance in a major for Rory. U.S. Open champ Bryson DeChambeau also had a rough go on Thursday, finishing at five-over par. So, at least there’s that for Rory.