MCILROY ROARS INTO RECKONING

Birdie spree puts Rory on route 66 with weird round of crazy golf

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RORY MCILROY indulged in a round of crazy golf instead of the regulation stuff on a bizarre afternoon at Royal Portrush.

In the space of 90 mad minutes, the golfing gods were both with and against him as he battled to keep his Open dream alive.

As theatre goes, it was right up there with the very best sport can provide.

Taking centre stage as always, McIlroy managed to hit two balls with one shot on the 11th hole, roll in an eagle putt from almost 60ft and hit the pin from 160 yards before seeing his ball almost drop into the cup for a second eagle.

And all of this happened in the space of five holes on a back nine that will live long in the memory of those privileged to watch it unfold.

It was chaotic carnage - and brilliantly bonkers at the same time.

So it felt ironic he was wearing 'Tiger red' because the scenes were akin to what used to happen when a certain Mr Woods was in his pomp.