Rory McIlroy was left in disbelief at the BMW PGA Championship in Wentworth after hitting a sublime fairway iron to within a few feet off the flag. However, it wasn’t the position of his ball that left the Northern Irishman open mouthed, but more the state of the club he used.

As McIlroy struck his approach, his club head flew off the shaft and in the direction of the green.

Almost oblivious to the excellence he’d just produced, McIlroy reacted by staring at his iron in a state of confusion.

The Sky Sports commentary team also struggled to make sense of what had transpired, with one pundit saying: “Oh, the head has come off and it (the ball) nearly goes in the hole. The head just flew off.”

His co-commentator added “Oh my goodness. Never in your life. And somehow he still pulls off the shot.” The Sky on-course analyst, who was following McIlroy at the time of the incident, chipped in with: “It’s closer to me than it is him guys.”

The views of one of McIlroy’s playing partners were picked up by the cameras as he told his fellow player: “I guess that’s the last time you’ll use that (club). I’ve never seen that in person.”

According to the Sky technology, the ball travelled at 128 mph after being struck by the world No.3. His shot landed just to the right hand side of the green, but with the slope, diverted towards the hole before rolling just a few feet past.

The bizarre occurrence certainly didn’t affect McIlroy’s focus as he produced some sublime play in his opening round. Despite a bogey on the final hole he finished five under par, leaving him one shot off the clubhouse leaders.

It’s been an amusing week at Wentworth so far as far as McIlroy fans are concerned. Ahead of the Pro-Am event this week, the four time major champion had an awkward conversation on the practice range with Spider-Man actor Tom Holland, seemingly oblivious to who the film star was.

McIlroy also took part in the celebrity day, teaming up with the likes of former Real Madrid star Gareth Bale and retired England cricketer Stuart Broad. The team produced a total of 24 under for their round, short of the eventual winners that consisted of Holland, his two brothers, and Tommy Fleetwood.

The 35-year-old is looking to bounce back this week after enduring heartbreak at the Irish Open. When a home victory looked on the cards, he faltered late on as Danish player Rasmus Hojgaard beat him by a single shot.