Rory McIlroy scores first hole-in-one as a pro

Staff Writer

Jan. 16, 2015 8:33 AM PT

Rory McIlroy has done pretty well for himself as a professional golfer, but Friday brought a new accomplishment.

Teeing off on the par-3 15th hole at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, the world’s top-ranked player scored the first hole-in-one of his professional career.

“Obviously, beers are on me tonight,” he said.

McIlroy is making his season debut at Abu Dhabi, returning from vacation after a highly successful 2014.

The ace helped him to a second-round 66, leaving him two strokes behind Martin Kaymer heading into the weekend. Thomas Pieters is in second, one stroke back.

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David Wharton

David Wharton has filled an array of roles – covering the courts, entertainment, sports and the second Persian Gulf War – since starting as a Los Angeles Times intern in 1982. His work has been honored by organizations such as the Society for Features Journalism and Associated Press Sports Editors and has been anthologized in “Best American Sports Writing.” He has also been nominated for an Emmy and has written two books, including “Conquest,” an inside look at USC football during the Pete Carroll era.

Rory McIlroy scores first hole-in-one as a pro

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