Rory McIlroy explains "not one of my finer moments" at Australian Open

Rory McIlroy admitted he was trying to channel his inner Seve Ballesteros after he completely whiffed at his golf ball during the second round of the Australian Open. 

McIlroy required late birdies on Friday at Royal Melbourne to make the cut and keep alive his hopes of winning the Stonehaven Cup for the second time. 

The 36-year-old made birdies on three of his final four holes to card a three-under 68 to finish inside the cut line and move to two-under overall. 

McIlroy was adamant that he is not out of the tournament, despite trailing leaders Daniel Rodrigues and Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen by seven shots. 

His second round included four birdies and one bogey. The dropped shot arrived at the 14th hole after he hit his tee shot into a bush. 

McIlroy tried and failed to advance his TP5 from an awkward spot, completely missing the ball in the process. 

He was nowhere near making contact and stood with his hands on his knees for a few seconds as he digested the red-faced moment. 

"I felt like I could get in there really low, like Seve used to, flick a four iron and just get back into play and on the way down caught a branch and obviously just completely went over the ball," McIlroy told Sky Sports after his round.  

"I honestly can't remember the last time I had a fresh air [shot]. Not one of my finer moments but nice to bounce back after that and play like I did the last few holes."

Watch the clip here:

McIlroy responded from the uncharacteristic moment, making birdies on 15, 17 and 18 to ensure weekend action. 

He produced a brilliant shot from off the fairway at the par-five 17th to set up an easy birdie. 

And he fired a dart to seven feet on the 18th to set up a closing birdie. 

McIlroy won last won the Australian Open in 2013, pipping former Masters champion Adam Scott by one stroke. 

"It definitely played like a different course"

McIlroy said he felt the conditions were much improved compared to the opening day. 

Tournament officials decided not to cut the greens before the first round, such was the forecast. 

"It definitely played like a different golf course, different clubs off tees," McIlroy added.

"A few different options. It was great, the course is firming up. It's really making you think out there, especially with your approach shots.

"Certainly not my best stuff out there the last few days but it was nice to finish the way I did.

"It wasn't looking great after the bogey on 14, but overall, a great finish and delighted to be here for the weekend."

Of his chances, he said: "Seven isn't too far back, I feel if I can go out there tomorrow morning and shoot a good one, I can get myself right back in the tournament."

The Australian Open represents McIlroy's final professional event of 2025. 

He is scheduled to take part in an exhibition match later this month against Scottie Scheffler before taking a break for Christmas. 

McIlroy will once again begin his season in the Middle East at the Dubai Invitational. 

Elsewhere, home favourites Min Woo Lee, Cameron Smith and Scott are also in contention at the Australian Open.