Rory McIlroy has accomplished plenty since launching his professional golf career in 2007, including four major championships and 122 weeks at No. 1 in the Official World Golf Ranking.
But before Thursday, one particular feat eluded him: a hole-in-one at an official PGA Tour event.
That changed for the Northern Irishman when he aced the par-3 eighth hole during the first round of the Travelers Championship.
McIlroy stepped to the tee box of the 214-yard hole at TPC River Highlands with his 5-iron. His ball hit the meat of the green with one small hop and tracked straight toward the pin.
Rory McIlroy falls behind at Genesis Invitational after frustrating third round
Rory McIlroy gives himself a ‘B+’ as he moves into contention at Torrey Pines
Ireland’s Séamus Power one shot off leader Denny McCarthy at Genesis Invitational
Putt your best foot forward: What is the best putter to buy in 2025?
The 34-year-old threw both his hands in the air before high-fives with his caddie and playing partners Tom Kim of South Korea and Viktor Hovland of Norway.
According to the PGA Tour, McIlroy had played 3,253 par-3 holes over his tour career before the Thursday ace.
The shot helped McIlroy dig out from a one over start through seven holes and put him at 1 under. He closed the front nine with a birdie after blasting out of a fairway bunker to within two feet of the cup.
