After missing the short grass again off the tee, McIlroy’s ball settled down in the pine straw to the right of the fairway. With water all down the left side, and plenty of trees in his way, it looked like McIlroy was destined for a bogey — or worse.

Rory McIlroy is near the top of the PLAYERS Championship, but he had to earn his 5-under 67 the hard way as his struggles off the tee continue.

McIlroy shared the lead at various points at TPC Sawgrass but will instead head into the weekend just off the pace