Rory McIlroy has refused to comment on being heckled by a top US college golfer during a practice round at the Players Championship.
The world number two declined to discuss the matter with reporters after his opening round.
“No, you can’t,” McIlroy joked when asked about the incident, adding with a laugh: “Because I don’t want you to.”
The incident reportedly occurred after McIlroy pulled his drive into the water on the 18th during practice.
Rory McIlroy has refused to comment on being heckled by a top US college golfer during a practice round at the Players Championship.
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A video on social media appeared to show McIlroy approaching a spectator, asking for their phone, and walking off with it.
The spectator was identified as University of Texas golfer Luke Potter, who later apologised.
“I just made a mistake, and I take ownership for it. I apologise for it. That’s about all that needs to be said,” Potter told the Golf Channel.
His coach, John Fields, called it “an embarrassing moment”, adding: “Our program is built on respect for the game.”
Fields said Potter had sent written apologies to McIlroy and PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan.
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Rory took a heckler’s phone and dipped after he made fun of a shot in the water @foreplaypod
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) March 12, 2025
McIlroy carded an impressive opening 67 at Sawgrass to finish just one shot behind the joint leaders.
The Northern Irishman ended the day on five under par, narrowly trailing Lucas Glover, JJ Spaun and Camilo Villegas.
His strong performance came despite the earlier controversy, showcasing his ability to maintain focus under pressure.
The opening round positioned McIlroy well in the prestigious tournament, often referred to as golf’s unofficial “fifth major”.
McIlroy admitted he rode his luck during the round, hitting just four fairways throughout the day.
His scorecard featured seven birdies and two bogeys in an impressive display of recovery golf.
The round culminated in spectacular fashion with an escape from the pine straw on the 18th hole.
This remarkable recovery shot set up a closing birdie, capping off his five-under-par performance.
“I rode my luck a bit today,” McIlroy acknowledged after completing his round at the challenging Sawgrass course.
Glover set the early clubhouse target with a blistering finish, making birdies on the last four holes.
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Spaun and Villegas later matched his six-under-par score to share the first-round lead.
“The margins are razor thin here, akin to say Augusta or Bay Hill,” Glover said after his round.
“You get off just a little, you can make big numbers in a hurry,” he added.
The American credited good yardages that allowed him to play aggressively, along with excellent putting.
England’s Aaron Rai and Laurie Canter both finished strongly, ending the day two shots off the pace on four under par.
Rory McIlroy has impressed at the Players Championship so far
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The English duo positioned themselves well for the second round, trailing the leaders by just two strokes.
Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre also made a solid start to the tournament.
The Scot carded a three-under 69 in his opening round at Sawgrass.
British players featured prominently on the leaderboard, with three representatives in the top portion of the field.