Watching Rory McIlroy take six shots to get out a bunker will make you feel better

Don't worry, Rors, we've all been there

If you struggle in the sand, it can be sickening to watch the world’s best players splashing it out to a few inches every time they go in a bunker. 

If you’re in that boat, you’ll likely get extra enjoyment from the fact that Rory McIlroy took no fewer than six shots to escape the famous Coffin bunker at Royal Troon, the venue for this week’s Open Championship. 

“The second [attempt] was up against the face,” says McIlroy, by way of justification. “There’s so much sand in these bunkers, as well – that’s the tough thing. Then it went into an even worse lie.”

Some of the bunkers at Royal Troon are so deep, with such steep faces, that it can be impossible to advance your ball forward. 

“I maybe could have chipped it into the middle of the bunker,” concedes McIlroy, whose last major win came at the 2014 PGA Championship. “That face is pretty much vertical.  You can’t hit it hard enough. It’s the steepness of the face and then the slope that goes up to the green.”

27-year-old McIlroy remained in high spirits, despite his less-than-enjoyable day at the beach.

“At least I’m getting this out of my system on a Tuesday,” he joked. “I holed the putt for a nine!

Don’t expect McIlroy’s tee shot to come up short when he plays the Postage Stamp 8th hole on Thursday. 

Struggle with bunkers? Check out this great tip