Rory McIlroy came within inches of getting whacked by a thunderous drive (Video)

Rory McIlroy had a narrow escape at the Frys.com Open in California.

The world No.3 was nearing the end of his third round at the opening tournament of the 2015-16 PGA Tour season when a huge drive from Argentina's Emiliano Grillo came within inches of hitting the Irishman. McIlroy had just chipped on to the green at the 17th when Grillo's tee shot bounced right at his feet. Grillo apologised for the near-miss, on a hole which requires a blind drive, and McIlroy took the incident in his stride, draining a ten-footer for par. "Missed me by a couple inches. Would've put me out of my misery, to be honest with you," McIlroy said wryly after a day in which he failed to make a move up the leaderboard. McIlroy shot a one-under 71 at Silverado to sit six under par, eight shots behind leader Brendan Steele.