Golf Pro Rory McIlroy takes spectator's cellphone following taunts from collegiate golfer during Players Championship event.
Spicy Take on Rory McIlroy's Press Conference Antics at The Players Championship
The golf world was all abuzz earlier this week when none other than Rory McIlroy decided to step up his game off the course during a practice round at The Players Championship. A viral clip on social media showed the Northern Irishman standing over a pair of heckling spectators, snatching a phone right out of one of their hands before sauntering off with a devilish grin.
Area reports revealed that this scene was prompted by a fan making a wisecrack about McIlroy's infamous hooked shot at the 2011 Masters — a comment that evidently rubbed the four-time major winner the wrong way.
When asked about the incident at a press conference Thursday, McIIroy gave a coy response, chuckling and stating, "No, you can't. Because I don't want you to." Clearly, the world No. 2 isn't one to tolerate trash talk during his matches.
Despite the minor dramatics, McIlroy's performance on the course was spot on. He fired a 67 in the first round, putting him just one stroke behind the tournament leader. With another victory at The Players Championship, McIIroy would add a second win to his impressive record after emerging victorious in 2019.
Golf.com cited Luke Potter, a student athlete for the University of Texas, as the culprit behind the heckling. The young golfer had reason to celebrate, too, as he had just won the nearby Hayt Collegiate tournament on Monday. Sadly for Potter, his moment of glory on the course was short-lived, as he was promptly ejected from the tournament following the incident with McIlroy. Potter later apologized for his actions and had his phone returned.
According to the PGA Tour's code of conduct, spectators can face expulsion for "rude, vulgar or other inappropriate comments or gestures," though the Tour has yet to share a statement on the matter.
In a satirical twist, Potter later expressed his regrets over the incident, stating, "Look, I just made a mistake, and I take ownership for it. I apologize for it. That's about all that needs to be said. It's just a good learning experience. Yeah, I apologize."
We reached out to the University of Texas men's golf team for a statement, but details regarding their opinion on Potter's behavior are as yet unknown.
- Spectators at The Players Championship were ejected for their actions towards Rory McIlroy, with reports suggesting they heckled him about his 2011 Masters shot.
- Despite the heckling incident, McIlroy continues to excel at golf, firing a 67 in the first round, thus positioning himself just one stroke behind the tournament leader.
- Luke Potter, a student athlete for the University of Texas, was identified as the culprit behind the heckling and was subsequently ejected from the tournament.
