Watch McIlroy and Spieth Clash Over Rules at Players Championship
In a dramatic turn of events at The Players Championship, Rory McIlroy found himself embroiled in not one, but two rules controversies during his opening round alongside playing partner Jordan Spieth. The incidents, which resulted in heated debates between the two superstars, captured the attention of fans and lit up social media platforms. McIlroy, currently…
In a dramatic turn of events at The Players Championship, Rory McIlroy found himself embroiled in not one, but two rules controversies during his opening round alongside playing partner Jordan Spieth. The incidents, which resulted in heated debates between the two superstars, captured the attention of fans and lit up social media platforms.
McIlroy, currently ranked world No. 2, faced scrutiny over penalty drops after twice landing his ball in water hazards. The disagreements between McIlroy and Spieth, known for their on-course camaraderie, provided unexpected drama at Sawgrass.
Despite shooting an impressive seven-under 65 and sharing the early lead with Xander Schauffele, McIlroy’s round was overshadowed by the controversies. The contentious moments unfolded on the 18th and 7th holes, where Spieth questioned McIlroy’s penalty drop locations.
The tension peaked on the seventh hole, with McIlroy’s caddie, Harry Diamond, adding to the heated exchange. With stakes high and no definitive TV footage available, the players were left to resolve the disputes themselves.
McIlroy, known for his integrity on the course, emphasized his commitment to playing by the rules and maintaining a clear conscience. Despite the prolonged debates, he remained steadfast in his belief that he had adhered to the regulations.
The clash between McIlroy and Spieth, who have been friends for years, added another layer of intrigue amidst ongoing discussions surrounding the LIV Golf split. While the two have found themselves on opposite sides of recent golfing controversies, their on-course rivalry showcased the intensity of professional golf at the highest level.
As the tournament progresses, the events of the opening round between McIlroy and Spieth are sure to be dissected further, highlighting the complexities and nuances of golf’s rules and sportsmanship.
Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth and Viktor Hovland discuss McIlroy's drop on No. 7.
Rory makes double bogey to move from solo leader to T2. pic.twitter.com/dkV6a5Q22W
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) March 14, 2024
The McIlroy drop controversy, in full
Rules official: “Did you ever find it?”
McIlroy: “No it’s in the water, it bounced into the water. We’re just trying to make sure that it was above the red line. Yeah, I mean that’s what they’re saying.”
Hovland: “I don’t know for sure that it crossed the line”
McIlroy: “I’m pretty comfortable I saw it [bounce] above the red line.”
Hovland: “I think it was pretty close. I can’t say with certainty. I thought it was pretty close.”
Spieth: “They’re saying they saw it bounce. Was it above the red line or not? They’re not saying that it crossed the line.”
McIlroy: “Yeah, and I’m pretty comfortable that it did.”
Spieth: “No sorry, that it landed above the line…”
McIlroy: “Yeah, that it landed above the red line.”
Spieth: “Everyone I’m hearing that had eyes on it – which is not what matters – is saying they are 100 per cent certain it landed below the red line. That’s all I’m saying. It’s what you guys think.”
Harry Diamond [McIlroy’s caddie]: “Who is everybody, Jordan? Who are you talking about?”
Spieth: “TV. They’re saying they saw it with their eyes, they didn’t see it with their cameras, which again it doesn’t mean anything. It’s what you guys think.”
Volunteer: “I’ve been over there, you can’t see the line.”
McIlroy: “I think that my ball bounced above the red line, but we’re not definitive. I’m pretty comfortable that it did, but we’re trying to check with TV and they can’t.”
Referee: “Orlando, you don’t know where it went in, but it went in right?”
McIlroy: “It went in, and it bounced. We’re trying to figure out if it crossed.”
Volunteer: “They’re going to look at it right now. They didn’t have…”
Spieth: “Radar (Sky Sports’ Wayne Riley) is coming in and offering an opinion on 18, I’m just saying I heard people and they’re going … the media people they’re saying and back their on the tee they were saying they were certain. That’s why I thought that we check so you don’t take a wrong drop.”
McIlroy: “I want to do the right thing.”
Spieth: “I don’t think there’s any doubt – we all agree that it crossed some land, it’s just a matter of where the drop is. Because it was so close – I was looking 15 yards ahead so when it hit ground I wasn’t even in the right … I was watching it.”
Referee: “We have no evidence so you have to go with what you saw.”
Spieth: “OK then it’s like 18, it’s what you saw there. I’m comfortable that it crossed some land – I don’t know where it actually pitched. I have no idea.”
McIlroy: “I agree, I’m pretty sure that it pitched above…”
Spieth: “Did you drop it where it crossed?”
McIlroy: “I would say yeah, I would say I’m dropping it slightly back from where the ball kicked in.”
Spieth: “Yeah I think the ball kicked in further up, for sure. Your ball will be in the water up there.”
McIlroy: “I’m trying to split the difference…”
Referee: “So you’re going to keep the point, between you and the hole, and go back. If you’re going to use the point across, and go up here, you’re going to have to be back here right?”
McIlroy: Yeah.”
Referee: “But it was draw?
Diamond: “It was draw that way, it was hooking across.”
Referee: “Right, so you have to estimate where you think it crossed and that’s the point you use.”
McIlroy: “OK, and did anyone see where it crossed?”
Referee: “No none of them saw. We don’t have this on TV.”