In a bizarre shot, Rory McIlroy watches his club head fly off as the ball lands next to the flag.

After watching his club head fly off the shaft, McIlroy believed the ball was not near the green.

In a bizarre shot, Rory McIlroy watches his club head fly off as the ball lands next to the flag.
In a bizarre shot, Rory McIlroy watches his club head fly off as the ball lands next to the flag.

Rory McIlroy's first round at the BMW PGA Championship on Thursday was impressive, with a 5-under 67 score.

Before heading into the second round Friday, McIlroy will require a new 9-iron.

The European tour's flagship event saw McIlroy two strokes behind Matthew Baldwin after the first round. However, things took a turn when the No. 3-ranked golfer used his 9-iron on the par-5 12th hole.

Rory McIlroy swings
Rory McIlroy hits his second shot on the 17th hole during the final round of the BMW Championship at Castle Pines Golf Club. (Christopher Hanewinckel/USA Today Sports)

McIlroy, after a great drive, attempted to get it close on the scoring hole. However, upon taking his typical powerful swing, the head of his 9-iron flew along with the ball after making contact with the fairway.

McIlroy's putting was even more impressive as he put the ball inside seven feet, resulting in a birdie on his scorecard.

McIlroy couldn't use a 9-iron for several holes until it was fixed by the 16th hole, but he'll accept the birdie regardless of how it arrives.

"McIlroy described the sensation as "a bit odd" through ESPN. "You anticipate the club to effortlessly pull through weight, but there was nothing there," he said."

McIlroy ended his round with a bogey, losing his share of the lead with Niklas Norgaard. Baldwin then had the best round of the day, teeing off in the afternoon.

Rory McIlroy walks on course
Rory McIlroy after hitting his second shot on the 17th hole during the final round of the BMW Championship at Castle Pines Golf Club. (Christopher Hanewinckel/USA Today Sports)

Despite finishing as a runner-up to Rasmus Hojgaard at the Irish Open, McIlroy is content with his current game.

McIlroy stated that he is utilizing the narrow defeat he experienced in his homeland at Wentworth Club this week.

"Disappointments can be nice because they allow you to stay busy and keep your mind occupied with something else," McIlroy said.

Rory McIlroy swings
Rory McIlroy hits his tee shot on the sixth hole during the final round of the BMW Championship at Castle Pines Golf Club. (Christopher Hanewinckel/USA Today Sports)

On Friday, McIlroy will begin his second round at 12:25 p.m. local time alongside Justin Rose and Ryan Fox.

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by Scott Thompson

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