NCAA woman of the year, family among those killed in New York plane crash

Authorities released the identities of the six people tragically killed in a New York plane crash on Saturday, including a highly-acclaimed former student athlete.

The six victims, most of whom were related, died at around 12:15 p.m. local time on Saturday, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The aircraft, a Mitsubishi MU-2B, was en route to Columbia County Airport in Hudson, New York, when it crashed into an open, muddy field in Copake, around ten miles south.

Karenna Groff, a former Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) soccer player who was named the NCAA Woman of the Year in 2022, was one of the decedents, as well as both of her parents, Dr. Michael Groff and Dr. Joy Saini. Groff had been studying medicine at New York University at the time.

Her brother, Jared Groff, and his partner, Alexia Couyutas Duarte, were also killed on the flight. Karenna Groff’s boyfriend, James Santoro, was aboard the flight and died as well.

6 DEAD, INCLUDING 3 CHILDREN, AFTER HELICOPTER PLUMMETS IN HUDSON RIVER

The six had boarded the plane at Westchester County Airport in White Plains earlier that morning. Shortly before the crash, the pilot had radioed air traffic control at Columbia County Airport to say that he had missed the initial approach and requested a new approach plan. 

Air traffic controllers prepared new coordinates and attempted to send a low altitude alert three times to the pilot, who did not respond.

Authorities are still investigating the cause of the crash, which may take as many as 24 months to complete.

‘EVERYTHING IS ON THE TABLE’ AS NTSB INVESTIGATES DEADLY HUDSON RIVER TOUR HELICOPTER CRASH

The aircraft, which was a private plane owned by Michael Groff, was discovered “compressed, buckled and embedded in the terrain” of the muddy field, NTSB official Todd Inman said in a briefing on Sunday.

Inman also said that authorities obtained video of the flight, which appeared to show that the aircraft was intact “and crashed at a high rate of descent into the ground.”

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The NTSB also said that the plane had a recently-upgraded cockpit with newer FAA-certified technology, and that the pilot was flying under instrument flight rules instead of visual flight rules.

James’ father, John Santoro, expressed sorrow over the tragedy and described the Groffs as a “wonderful family” to The Associated Press.

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“The world lost a lot of very good people who were going to do a lot of good for the world if they had the opportunity,” the grieving father said. “We’re all personally devastated.”

Sparks fly on set as Maher gets in heated clash with columnist over Trump dinner

Washington Post columnist Josh Rogin accused “Real Time” host Bill Maher in a testy exchange on Friday of having “fallen into the trap” by meeting with President Donald Trump the previous week. 

Maher, a longtime Trump critic who’s nonetheless stood out on the late-night circuit with his criticism of leftist excess, said Trump was “gracious and measured” during his visit to the White House, acknowledging his warm words might not be well-received by progressives.

Rogin, however, pushed back on Maher’s decision to visit the White House and suggested that he had been used as part of a “PR stunt.” 

“I think you’ve fallen into the trap, and I think I represent 99% of the internet when I say this: you’ve played the game of proximity is principle,” Rogin said. “I’m not questioning your motivation, I’m questioning Trump’s, OK?”

BILL MAHER CALLS TRUMP ONE OF THE ‘MOST EFFECTIVE POLITICIANS’ BECAUSE OF HIS AUTHENTICITY

Rogin emphasized that both he and the audience trusted that Maher met with Trump in good faith, but questioned Trump’s motives for the dinner.

The praise seemed to have struck a nerve with Maher, who told Rogin, “You don’t have to patronize me, dude. I don’t know you. I’ve never met you.”

“Not everybody has to like it. That’s what we said. There are people who didn’t want it to happen at all. You sound like one of them, it’s OK.”

Rogin attempted to talk over the late-night host but was abruptly cut off by Maher asking, “Did you hear what I said? What is the alternative to not talking? Just sit at your lunch table and don’t talk to anybody?”

In his response to Maher, Rogin claimed that Trump saw this meeting as a “PR stunt,” and used Maher as a “prop in that PR stunt.”

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Piers Morgan, a guest on the panel, also pushed back on Rogin’s interpretation of the meeting, pointing out that most Americans aren’t as tribal as social media might lead some to believe.

“If you go on social media for five minutes now, you just have this tribal fury raging all day long. Everyone’s got to be implacably there, implacably there, and actually, most Americans and most Brits; they’re not like that,” Piers explained, adding, “And then, the idea that Bill Maher is now going to stop criticizing Donald Trump… is preposterous!”

Maher then affirmed Piers’ idea, noting that he didn’t hold back on Trump during his opening monologue or during his interview with former Trump advisor Steve Bannon earlier in the show.

Not giving Rogin a chance to respond, Maher jumped right back into challenging his interpretation of the Trump meeting.

“The fact that you began your little rant with ‘the internet,’ that tells me everything. You take your cues from the internet. Good luck,” he told Rogin.

BILL MAHER EXPLAINS WHY HE’S REJECTING CALLS TO JOIN THE POLITICAL RIGHT

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Rogin attempted to push back on Maher, questioning whether the late-night host believed that Trump would be “changed” after the meeting. Maher quickly shut him down.

“I said in the piece I did not think that was going to happen!” he sternly told Rogin, to which the columnist replied, “In that case then, go with God and enjoy.”

Trump issues stern warning to Houthi terrorists as ‘dangerous red tape’ from Biden removed

President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to the Houthis by saying it was time for them to hide now that he has removed “dangerous red tape” from the Biden administration, allowing U.S. troops to protect Somalia against terrorists.

“Time for the terrorists to hide, but it won’t do them any good. Our Warfighters, the Greatest the World has ever seen, will find them, and bring them to a swift Justice,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. “I just got rid of Joe Biden’s dangerous red tape, and empowered our Warfighters, once again, just like I did against our fight with ISIS, who were completely obliterated in three weeks under General Daniel Caine, our new Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. 

“We will support the Somali People, who should not allow the Houthis to embed (which they are trying to do!), to end terrorism, and bring prosperity to their Country,” the president added.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the State Department on the matter and is waiting to hear back.

TRUMP TOUTS AIRSTRIKE ON HOUTHIS, SHOWING VIDEO: WILL ‘NEVER SINK OUR SHIPS AGAIN’

For years, the U.S. has helped Somali forces with airstrikes and other support against the al-Shabab extremist group and an affiliate of the Islamic State, or ISIS.

Last month, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud drafted a letter to Trump offering the U.S. exclusive access to air bases and seaports, which reignited tensions between the government of Somalia and the breakaway region of Somaliland, the Associated Press reported.

In the letter, Somalia offered “exclusive operational control” over the Berbera and Baledogle air bases and the ports of Berbera and Bosaso to “bolster American engagement in the region.”

LEADER OF SOMALIA’S BREAKAWAY SOMALILAND SAYS DEAL WITH ETHIOPIA WILL ALLOW IT TO BUILD A NAVAL BASE

The letter was dated March 16 and leaked on social media during the last week of March. In it, the Somali leader spoke of “ensuring uninterrupted military and logistical access while preventing external competitors from establishing a presence in this critical corridor.”

The letter was confirmed as “an authentic draft” by a senior official in Somalia’s foreign ministry, who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to give press interviews.

US FORCES CARRY OUT AIRSTRIKE IN SOUTHERN SOMALIA, KILLING 3 AL-SHABAAB TERRORISTS

The official was not sure if the final letter, which made the same offer, was sent.

One of the ports, Berbera, is in a key city located in Somaliland, whose long assertion as an independent state has not received international recognition.

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Somaliland, a former British protectorate, declared independence from Somalia in 1991 after the collapse of the central government. It maintains its own government, security forces and currency and has held elections.

Speaker Johnson makes position clear on possible tax hike on some Americans

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., is no “big fan” of hiking the tax rate for America’s wealthiest to 40%, an idea reportedly being mulled by Republicans to offset some costs of their in-progress tax package.

“We’re the Republican Party, and we’re for tax reduction for everyone, and that’s a general principle that we always try to abide by,” Johnson told Fox News’ Maria Bartiromo on Sunday. 

Though there are many discussions, thoughts and theories on how to get all the GOP’s goals accomplished, Johnson said he wouldn’t “put any money on any of [those] yet.”

EXCLUSIVE: TRUMP TAX CUTS ‘TOP PRIORITY’ FOR CONGRESS, SAYS TOP HOUSE GOP LEADER

“I would say just stay tuned. The next five to six weeks are going to be critical as all these negotiations happen in the committees of jurisdiction,” he continued.

“You’ll hear lots of rumors and lots of talk, but we’ll see where it all lands.”

TRUMP’S ‘BIG, BEAUTIFUL’ TAX AGENDA SCORES MAJOR VICTORY IN HOUSE DESPITE GOP REBELLION THREATS

Johnson voiced the need for consensus on the package, eyeing the 218 votes needed in the House and the 51 votes needed in the Senate for successful passage, assuring viewers that the bill will have reached an adequate “comfort level” before heading to the floor.

According to Bloomberg, the floated 39%-to-40% tax rate would affect those earning $1 million or more annually, a two-to-three percentage increase from the current 37% rate.

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College football star’s death sends shock waves through sports world

The death of former LSU wide receiver Kyren Lacy sent shock waves across the football world on Sunday with several NFL players and other athletes expressing their condolences.

Lacy was found dead in Houston, an LSU official confirmed to Fox News Digital. The cause of death was not announced. Lacy was 24.

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“We’re saddened to learn of the tragic passing of former LSU Football student-athlete Kyren Lacy,” LSU said in a statement to Fox News Digital. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones, as well as his former teammates and coaches impacted by his passing.”

Several athletes reacted to Lacy’s death on X.

The wide receiver, who graduated in December and may have been a selection at the upcoming NFL Draft, was under investigation in Louisiana in connection with a crash in December that left a 78-year-old man dead, officials said in January. 

He was accused of driving recklessly – speeding and passing in a no-passing zone – when the motorist swerved to avoid Lacy and crashed into another vehicle.

He fled the scene of the crash without calling for aid, Louisiana State Police said. An arrest warrant was obtained for Lacy for negligent homicide, felony hit-and-run and reckless operation of a vehicle.

A grand jury was reportedly set to hear evidence in the case on Monday.

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Lacy transferred to LSU in 2022. He had his best season in 2024 when he had 58 catches for 866 yards and nine touchdowns.

Viral video of Trump allegedly snubbing actress Cheryl Hines does not show full picture

Videos of President Donald Trump appearing to snub actress Cheryl Hines, who is married to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., at a UFC match on Saturday evening are spreading like wildfire on social media, but don’t show the entire story. 

“This is clickbait. He went back to her,” former senior RFK Jr. advisor Link Lauren posted to X, showing a photo of Trump chatting with his HHS secretary and Cheryl Hines during the UFC match. 

Trump joined the UFC match in Miami on Saturday night alongside members of his Cabinet, and was seen shaking Kennedy’s hand after entering the arena to wild cheers, but appeared to ignore greeting Hines despite her reaching out for a handshake. Hines was seen pulling her hand away as Trump moved to greet other attendees. 

‘CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM’ STAR CHERYL HINES ON CONFLICTS WITH HUSBAND ROBERT F. KENNEDY, JR.: ‘AGREE TO DISAGREE’

Video of the exchange has racked up hundreds of thousands of views, while also generating headlines both in the U.S. and abroad speculating that the president “snubbed” Hines. 

“Cheryl Hines getting blown off for a handshake by President Trump is just missing the Curb theme music,” one user posted to X, referring to Hines starring on the hit show “Curb Your Enthusiasm.”

“Curb theme music – Trump showing no love for Cheryl Hines,” another post on X reads. 

Hines’ publicist Ann Gurrola told Fox Digital on Sunday that she did not attend the event and could not comment, but added that it appeared, based on reports, that Trump circled back to shake Hines’ hand and that videos of Trump appearing to snub Hines was likely “simply an oversight.” While an administration official added in comment to Fox Digital on Sunday that the president did not snub Hines.

ACTRESS CHERYL HINES WON’T BE AT EVERY RFK JR. POLITICAL EVENT, SAYS SHE HAS HER ‘OWN CAREER’

Fox Digital obtained another photo showing Trump speaking with Hines and others ahead of the UFC fight on Saturday.

X users have also shared footage and a screenshot showing Trump chatting with both Kennedy and Hines, indicating he circled back to talk to the couple. 

‘WEST WING’ STAR MOCKS ACTRESS CHERYL HINES FOR STAYING ‘SILENT’ AFTER HUSBAND RFK JR. ENDORSES TRUMP

“President Trump spoke with Cheryl Hines last night at UFC 314. There were some reports that Trump may have ‘snubbed’ Hines (wife of RFK Jr) at the event, but the footage below shows that was not the case,” one X user posted, accompanied by video footage of Trump speaking with Hines. 

“No, President Trump did not ‘snub’ RFK Jr’s wife, Cheryl Hines. He didn’t see her hand, and went back after he was done greeting Joe Rogan and Daniel Cormier, as seen in the picture below,” another X user posted. 

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“Video goes viral with social media users claiming Trump ‘snubbed’ RFK Jr’s wife Cheryl Hines at the UFC 314. However, Trump appeared to not see her hand for the handshake and later went back to greet her and her husband,” another X user posted. 

The reports come after Hines previously criticized Trump and his rhetoric as “ridiculous and disrespectful,” but has joined a handful of Trump-related events at Mar-a-Lago and the White House since her husband endorsed Trump over the summer and ultimately became his HHS chief this year. 

Actress Sofia Vergara begs for summer with cheeky, poolside bikini snap

Sofía Vergara is ready for summer, and she’s not afraid to show it.

Vergara, 52, showed off her golden tan in a sexy snap shared with her millions of social media followers.

The “Modern Family” star relaxed poolside wearing nothing but a pair of cheeky black bikini bottoms as she soaked up the sun.

The “Griselda” actress captioned the selfie in Spanish “Ya casi llega el verano! protégete con @toty,” which translates to, “Summertime is almost here! protect yourself with @toty.”

SOFIA VERGARA TELLS ED O’NEILL ‘DON’T DIE’ SO THEY CAN MAKE ‘MODERN FAMILY’ REBOOT

On her Stories, Vergara paid dues to the sun and her skincare line with a snap captioned, “Protección todo el verano,” or “protection all summer.”

SOFIA VERGARA WANTS ‘EVERY PLASTIC SURGERY THAT I CAN DO’

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Vergara launched Toty, her skincare brand, in 2023 and told People magazine that she named the brand after her own childhood moniker.

“I want to create a brand that has it all,” she said. “Lips, body makeup that has sun protection, that doesn’t get on your clothes, and that you can put on your chest every day to even out. The dream is big, but we have to start little by little.”

Beauty has always been “very important” in Vergara’s life. 

“I think because I’m Latin, we always grow up thinking about looking good, doing your hair, your makeup. It’s something that makes you feel good,” she said. 

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“I love beauty products. I love makeup. I love clothes. And I think now that I’m older, it’s great because you know exactly what you like, what looks good on you, what doesn’t look good on you. I don’t do what is in fashion. I just do what feels good, makes me feel confident and beautiful.”

Vergara previously admitted that while she hasn’t pursued plastic surgery, she’s willing to go under the knife when the time is right.

“I feel like I’m going to do every plastic surgery that I can do when I’m ready,” she told Allure. “I wish I had more downtime; I would’ve done stuff already. [But] because I’m in front of the camera, it’s not like I can do something and then sit in my house recuperating for weeks.”

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She’s not afraid of needles, though, and has been using Botox for her neck and around her eyes “for a long time.” The Colombian star has yet to wade into “filler” waters.

“I feel filler does good when you’re really young and you want a little bit more cheeks or to plump your lips a little bit,” she said. 

“At my age, I feel it’s not going to make you look younger. It is going to make you look more done. And I feel like it actually doesn’t pull you up, it kind of weighs [you down]. So I am against that, once you hit a certain age.”

She is a fan of sunscreen and has been “religious” about its application after reading an article about the dangers of sun damage.

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“If you’re tanning your face, there’s nothing in the world that you put on at night that is going to give you good skin,” Vergara said. “I feel like you have to take advantage of everything that is out there. I mean, if you care about aging; nothing wrong if you don’t care about it. It’s not the end of the world. But if you do, now there’s so much stuff out there.”

Hundreds of passengers spend the night on grounded planes sitting on the tarmac

Nearly 300 Delta Air Lines passengers experienced a night of chaos and delays last week after poor weather forced two international flights to divert to a regional airport without customs – forcing the passengers to spend the night in their planes on the tarmac.

The two Delta flights, which departed from Mexico for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport last Thursday, did not reach their destination until the following day, according to the airline.

Instead, Flight 1828 from Cabo San Lucas and Flight 599 from Mexico City landed at Montgomery Regional Airport in Alabama as a diversion point around 9:30 p.m., a Delta spokesperson said in a statement to FOX Business.

“Flight crews, always looking to ensure the safety of all Delta customers and people, selected Montgomery, Ala. (MGM) for a diversion point and planned to continue to Atlanta once inclement weather cleared,” the statement said. 

SMALL AIRPLANE SKIDS OFF RUNWAY INTO BAY DURING BOTCHED LANDING AT OREGON AIRPORT

Because the regional airport lacks U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facilities, the travelers were unable to disembark the aircraft and were left stranded on the planes overnight. 

“Flights from international points of origin must arrive at an airport Customs and Border Protection staffing and facilities for processing, this was not possible until early Friday morning when a special accommodation was reached with Montgomery airport officials and CBP,” the spokesperson said.

FLIGHT PASSENGER SAYS MAN DELIBERATELY SQUATTED IN WINDOW SEAT, IGNITES SOCIAL MEDIA DEBATE

While other airports with CBP facilities were nearby, they were also not within reach due to the weather.

“Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, also experiencing severe thunderstorms, was not suitable as a diversion airport due to conditions and reports of windshear,” the spokesperson continued.

Passengers sat in their planes until the morning around 5:30 a.m. when special CBP arrangements arrived. The travelers were allowed to enter the airport before finally departing for Atlanta around noon.

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The airline said they plan to refund each customer’s ticket as a result of the inconvenience.

“We sincerely apologize to our customers for this experience. We fell short of how we aspire to serve and care for our customers amid thunderstorms in the Southeast U.S. Thursday evening. We are reaching out to each customer with a full refund of their booking,” the spokesperson said.

The airline also said they will work to sort out these kinds of weather-impacted delays in the future.

“Delta is conducting a thorough review of these events with an eye for making improvements and preventing an outcome like this again,” the spokesperson said.

McIlroy overcomes sudden-death playoff to win green jacket, complete Grand Slam

Rory McIlroy didn’t make it easy for himself, but after a rollercoaster final round on Sunday, he is the winner of the green jacket at the 89th edition of The Masters after beating Justin Rose in a sudden-death playoff. 

McIlroy, who has waited 11 years to win another major, was overcome with emotion as he has done what only five golfers in history had before him. His win at Augusta National Golf Club means he has won every single major, which includes the PGA Championship (2012, 2014), the U.S. Open (2011) and The Open Championship (2014), giving him the career Grand Slam. 

Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods are the only players in history to win every major prior to McIlroy. 

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McIlroy’s final round was filled with tons of drama from start to finish, and it reached its highest point when he stepped into the putt on his 72nd hole of the tournament. He needed par to finish at 12-under to beat Rose, who drained a deep birdie putt on the same green a few minutes before to finished 11-under for the tournament. 

The putt was just left, and the patrons couldn’t believe it as a playoff was needed to see who would get fitted for a green jacket in Butler Cabin. 

Rose was hitting at the tournament practice facility awaiting the potential of the first Masters sudden death playoff since 2017, which he was a part of. He ended up losing to Sergio Garcia to miss out on the green jacket. 

MASTERS OFFICIALS PENALIZE GOLFER OVER BALL MOVE

He quickly jumped into a golf cart after learning McIlroy had missed the par putt and went to the 18th tee box to meet the Northern Irishman, who had to do it all over again. 

Rose and McIlroy both found the fairway with their tee shots, with the former going first with his approach. And he put tremendous pressure on McIlroy, as Rose bounced the ball near the hole and got a bit unlucky as it trickled away. 

McIlroy, who hit his approach into the right greenside bunker, got the baby draw he wanted this time, and he used the slope to spin the ball back to two feet. 

Rose still had a great look at birdie, and took his time reading the putt. He gave it a good ride, but it broke too far right, and he cleaned up for par. 

Thus, McIlroy had another chance to finally secure what he’s been searching for since he began his illustrious golf career. McIlroy, who never takes a practice putt, walked up to his ball, looked at the hole and put the perfect stroke on it this time. 

The patrons went into a frenzy as McIlroy dropped to his knees and started crying, as the dream and goal finally turned into reality. He broke down even more meeting with his wife, Erica Stoll, and their daughter, Poppy, along with many others in his life as he walked to Butler Cabin for his green jacket. 

Rose finished second after carding a 66 final round, while Patrick Reed (9-under), Scottie Scheffler (8-under), and Bryson DeChambeau and Sungjae Im (7-under each) rounded out the top five on the Masters leaderboard.

Drama was expected in this final round on Sunday, but perhaps no one expected this to be one of the most up-and-down finishes in the history of this great tournament. 

It happened right away on the first hole when McIlroy double-bogeyed the opening hole after a three-putt. His tee shot needed just one more yard to sail over the right fairway bunker, but it landed in the sand instead, forcing a layup. Then, his approach shot was too deep, causing a long par putt that wouldn’t go. 

But even more crushing for the man who led at 12-under to begin the round was missing his bogey putt, causing a two-stroke swing. DeChambeau would birdie after sending his tee shot a bit too far left. So, in a flash, DeChambeau and McIlory were tied at 10-under heading to the scoreable par-5 second hole.

Once again, McIlroy’s tee shot couldn’t clear the right fairway bunker, while DeChambeau had an excellent look at an approach to the second green. McIlroy laid up and had a poor approach, which made it a hard birdie look. He would sink his par putt to leave his score at 10-under, but DeChambeau took the sole lead at 11-under after hitting his birdie putt. 

The score swing, though, wasn’t even close to over. 

The third hole presented a quick turnaround for McIlroy, who watched a birdie putt go left to right and hang on to get a shot back, while DeChambeau’s par save didn’t have the right line. He had to settle with a bogey and McIlroy once again owned the lead. 

Then, the fourth hole, a 232-yard par-3, saw McIlroy dialed in with his iron shot that landed within 10 feet of the hole for a solid birdie look. DeChambeau’s drew too much and he couldn’t get his long birdie putt close for another par save. He dropped another bogey, while McIlroy landed back-to-back birdies to get back to 12-under – owning a three-stroke lead after four holes. 

Overall, there were three two-shot swings in the first four holes. 

McIlroy stayed on an even keel after getting back to 12-under, shooting par in his next four holes before taking a four-stroke lead over DeChambeau, Ludvig Åberg and Rose, who birdied four times during a six-hole stretch to get back into the running at 9-under, after birdying the ninth hole. 

The second nine started off clean for McIlroy, who poured in another birdie putt to go to 14-under. It didn’t look like he would’ve had a birdie chance after dropping his club immediately after contact on his second from the fairway, but it drew right back into the green the way he wanted. 

Meanwhile, DeChambeau’s second nine was a disaster as the infamous “Amen Corner,” or Holes 11, 12 and 13, ate him up. It started with a huge error hitting his approach on No. 11 into the water next to the green. 

He’d fall to 7-under with a double-bogey after trying to salvage the hole, and things got worse when he couldn’t hole his par putt on the short 12th, which always proves to be an issue for players. DeChambeau started the day at 10-under, but found himself 6-under, seven shots off McIlroy’s lead at the time, heading into the 13th hole. 

The 13th hole saw McIlroy playing safe, as he should’ve with the lead he had at the time. But his third shot, a short pitch that should’ve been routine, proved disastrous when he hit it too far right and it entered the water. McIlroy wasn’t able to hit his bogey putt after re-doing the pitch, and he fell to 11-under. 

On the 16th green, Rose holed his tremendous tee shot to get to 11-under himself, and the movie that was playing out at Augusta National reached peak tension. 

McIlroy lost his lead after bogeying the 14th to fall to 10-under, as Rose had the outright lead when he stepped into his par putt on the 17th hole. But he tugged it left, leaving a three-way tie at 10-under between McIlroy, Rose, and Åberg.

The climax of this movie, though, was provided by McIlroy’s seven iron from 207 yards out, needing a right-to-left bender to carry the pond in front of the 15th green. He executed the shot with precision, as the patrons around roared with the ball making its way closer to the green for an eagle putt. 

McIlroy wouldn’t make it after hitting it left, but he made birdie to take the lead once more. But like any movie, the climax only leads to the ending, and it was an amazing finish.

On the 18th green, Rose had one last birdie in him, sinking a deep putt to sit tied for the co-lead with McIlroy at 11-under. He would head into the clubhouse and watch with bated breath to see how the golfers behind him would finish. He finished with a final-round 66.

McIlroy had a great look on No. 16 after a great tee shot, but it never broke back, and he stayed tied with Rose at 11-under. Thus, two more holes left for McIlroy, who needed a birdie or better to win it. 

So, just like he did on No. 15, McIlroy started walking toward his approach on No. 17, asking his shot with an eight iron to, “Go, go, go!” That’s exactly what the ball did, as it set up yet another chance for McIlroy to get his lead back. 

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McIlroy had to have tons of mental fortitude all day long after missing his par putt the first time he stepped foot on the 18th green, and he trusted himself to play the hole better during the playoff. 

All those missed shots, all those putts that came so close, everything that has happened the past decade that has led McIlroy to question if he’d ever win another major, or better yet, complete the Grand Slam wasn’t in his head when he walked into that final putt in the playoff. 

It’s always about the next shot, and this time, McIlroy didn’t miss. History followed.