Viewers were left amazed as Rory McIlroy gave a surreal interview during his opening round at The Masters at Augusta.
McIlroy was on course playing his ninth hole of his round when he was interviewed by Jim Nantz and Trevor Immelman for CBS Sports.
The four-time major champion talked viewers through his shots on the hole in what turned out be a fascinating exchange.
Following his second shot on the par 4 he gave was asked for his thoughts:
"Yeah I just eased off on it a little bit," McIlroy said.
"I think just in the back of my mind you don't want to go long at this pin."
He then walked up to the green and talked through his putt.
Rory McIlroy chats to media while playing at The Masters
You can watch the video for yourself here:
Well this is pretty cool from Rory as he chats to the media WHILE playing at The Masters 🤯 pic.twitter.com/eLHSDofj1l
— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) April 6, 2023
This was the first time this feature has been used at The Masters but CBS have used it on the PGA tour from time to time.
"I'm happy to be the first one to do it," McIlroy said as he read his putt.
Viewers were quick to react to the innovation with many praising it. However, a cohort felt that McIlroy should be focusing on his golf and aiming to win the Masters for the first time this weekend rather than getting distracted by media.
The Masters is the one major that has alluded the Co. Down man and his start to his 2023 bid to win the tournament has been mixed.
After nine holes he sat on one-over par.
McIlroy made a good start with a birdie on the second hole, but followed that up by bogeying the third.
A poor drive followed by a wayward second shot led to him double-bogeying the seventh but he regained his composure to birdie the next hole.
Viktor Hovland and John Rahm currently lead the way in the clubhouse at seven-under par.
Shane Lowry is the best of the Irish, with the Offaly man equalling his lowest ever round at August shooting a four-under par round of 68.
Seamus Power carded a one-over par round, while Belfast amateur Matthew McClean finished his day on five-over par.
SEE ALSO: Seamus Power Hits Outrageous Back-To-Back Hole In Ones At Augusta
