Rory McIlroy hits first PGA hole-in-one, Denny McCarthy just misses out on 59 club

Rory McIlroy has accomplished plenty since launching his professional golf career in 2007, including four Major championships and 122 weeks on top of the Official World Golf Rankings.

But before Thursday, one particular feat eluded him: a hole-in-one at an official PGA Tour event.

That changed for the Northern Irishman when he aced the par-3 eighth hole during the first round of the Travelers Championship in Cromwell with fellow Irish man Shane Lowry making a blistering start to the tournament.

McIlroy stepped to the tee box of the 214-yard hole at TPC River Highlands with his 5-iron. His ball hit the meat of the green with one small hop and tracked straight toward the pin.

The 34-year-old threw both his hands in the air before high-fives with his caddie and playing partners Tom Kim of South Korea and Viktor Hovland of Norway.

According to the PGA Tour, McIlroy had played 3,253 par-3 holes over his tour career before this Thursday ace.

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The shot helped McIlroy dig out from a one-over start through seven holes and put him at one under. Four birdies and three bogeys would follow from there to leave him one under after the first round.

ACE FOR RORY!@McIlroyRory holes it from 214 yards @TravelersChamp