Ace on the 8th hole adds flair to McIlroy’s solid start at TPC River Highlands
Introduction
A Historic Ace at TPC River Highlands
Cromwell, Connecticut – June 22, 2023
Rory McIlroy added another unforgettable moment to his stellar career by sinking his first-ever PGA Tour hole-in-one during the opening round of the 2023 Travelers Championship. The Northern Irishman aced the par-3 8th hole at TPC River Highlands with a perfectly struck 9-iron from 214 yards, sending the crowd—and golf fans everywhere—into a frenzy.
It was a flash of brilliance in an already consistent round, and McIlroy’s reaction said it all: stunned joy, a wide smile, and a casual wave before he later admitted… he tossed the ball away.
A Defining Shot
The par-3 8th is no pushover—214 yards to a tight green framed by water and bunkers. McIlroy selected a 9-iron and launched a towering shot that never left the flag. It bounced once and disappeared into the hole, triggering a roar from the gallery.
“I’m going to regret this,” McIlroy joked after realizing he’d thrown away the ball. “First one in competition, and I didn’t even keep it.”
The ace marked McIlroy’s first in a professional tournament, despite years of near-misses. The clean strike and laser-like trajectory showed the type of control fans have come to expect from one of golf’s most gifted shotmakers.
Leaderboard Impact
McIlroy’s ace was the highlight of a steady round that saw him finish at 2-under-par (68). The hole-in-one gave his scorecard an early boost, keeping him within striking distance of the leaders heading into Friday’s second round.
With Denny McCarthy blazing ahead with an opening 60 (-10) and Keegan Bradley close behind, McIlroy’s ace may not have vaulted him to the top of the board—but it certainly gave him a momentum boost. More importantly, it helped set the tone for a potential weekend charge.
Other Notables
While McIlroy grabbed the highlight reel, Rickie Fowler turned in a clean 66, continuing his solid return to form. Scottie Scheffler, meanwhile, struggled to find rhythm on the greens and posted a flat even-par 70, leaving himself work to do to stay in contention.
The Travelers Championship, always popular with both fans and players for its course setup and summer energy, delivered fireworks early—and McIlroy’s ace was the biggest bang.
What’s Next
McIlroy heads into Round 2 aiming to build on the buzz of his ace and close the gap to the leaders. With soft greens and warm conditions expected to continue, low scores will be needed to contend.
All eyes will be on whether McIlroy can ride the wave of his first PGA Tour ace into weekend contention—or whether the Travelers Championship leaderboard has more surprises in store.
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