Rory McIlroy made waves both online and within the golf community this week after taking a heckler’s phone.
A now viral video shared to social media platforms such as X, shows the pro golfer, 35, walking over to someone on the sidelines, asking for their phone and walking away with it at TPC Sawgrass in Florida on Tuesday, March 11.
ESPN identified the individual involved as University of Texas golfer Luke Potter, reporting on Thursday, March 13, that the college junior has since apologized for his behavior — which was allegedly a reference to McIlroy’s poor performance during the 2011 Masters.
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Though the remarks that led up to the incident can’t fully be heard in the fan-recorded video, after a practice round ahead of the Players Championship, McIlroy approached Potter and said, “Let me see your phone?”
A seemingly confused Potter handed him the device, then watched as McIlroy looked through the phone while walking away.
The entire incident was over in about 15 seconds, however, that was hardly the end of Potter’s problems.
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According to Golf.com, the college student was escorted from TPC Sawgrass for violating the official Fan Code of Conduct, which includes “Verbal or physical harassment of players” and “Distracting a player or any disruption of play,” among other rules.
His phone was later returned to him.
“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,” Potter told the Gold Channel, per ESPN. “It’s just a good learning experience. Yeah, I apologize.”
His coach, John Fields, said Potter will face consequences for his actions.
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“He had no idea that what was coming out of his mouth was going to result in this fashion,” Fields told Golf.com.
“With regards to our University of Texas program, I mean it’s an embarrassing moment. It is particularly sensitive to me because our program is built on respect for the game, and I would tell you that we coach 18- to 22-year-olds on a normal basis and they don’t always make the right call, and that’s my responsibility as a coach and when they do make a mistake it’s a learning moment,” Fields added.
According to ESPN, the Full Swing star dodged questions about the incident afterwards, saying, “I’m really happy I shot 66 today,” instead of commenting on the topic.
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In season 3 of the Netflix docuseries that aired last month, McIlroy opened up about how his personal and professional life sometimes intertwines.
“I’ve struggled with trying to be the best golfer, the best husband, the best dad,” he said in a confessional.
The series gave a glimpse into how he handled news of his divorce (and then subsequent reconciliation) with his wife of seven years, Erica Stoll.
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“Everyone’s phones just started blowing up,” one person said, while another added: “Rory’s divorce.”
Fans saw the sports star push through the noise to make his family and career work.
All three seasons of Full Swing are streaming on Netflix.
