Rory McIlroy has sparked controversy after snatching a heckling fan's phone at Sawgrass before the Players Championship.
The world No 2 was taunted by a spectator who referenced his infamous 2011 Masters collapse.
The incident occurred after McIlroy hit his tee shot into the water at a par three.
Video of the bizarre encounter was later posted on social media, showing the Northern Irishman calmly walking over to the fan.
McIlroy asked to see the spectator's phone before walking away with the device while looking intently at the screen.
The 35-year-old had left the course by the time the video emerged.
The fan had shouted "Just like 2011 at Augusta" after McIlroy's shot went into the water.
This referenced McIlroy's notorious collapse at the 2011 Masters, where he shot an 80 in the final round after holding a 54-hole lead.
After reloading and hitting the green, McIlroy approached the spectator and asked to see his phone.
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What became of the spectator's phone remained a mystery after the incident.
The taunt would have struck a nerve with McIlroy, who also memorably lost a two-shot lead at last year's US Open at Pinehurst.
His missed putts on the 16th and 18th holes, allowing Bryson DeChambeau to claim victory.
Despite the controversy, McIlroy is set to tee off alongside fellow Major champions Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schuffele on Thursday.
The 35-year-old enters the tournament with momentum after winning his 27th PGA Tour title at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am last month.
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This victory came despite his recent disappointments in major tournaments.
McIlroy has been largely injury-free since rupturing an ankle ligament in 2015, which forced him to miss the defence of his Open title.
His consistent health has allowed him to maintain his position near the top of world golf rankings.
McIlroy has also commented on Tiger Woods' latest injury setback, saying he doesn't expect the 15-time major winner to play again this year.
Woods, 49, recently underwent surgery on a ruptured Achilles tendon.
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"It sucks. He doesn't have much luck when it comes to injuries and his body," McIlroy said.
"We obviously won't see him play golf this year, and hopefully we see him maybe play in 2026."
Woods has played a reduced schedule since suffering serious leg injuries in a car crash in 2021.
The American has not competed in a PGA Tour event since The Open in July.
Speaking before the Players Championship, McIlroy revealed his thoughts on his own eventual retirement from the sport.
The Northern Irishman stated he intends to retire with a "little bit left in the tank".
"I can acknowledge how lucky golfers are to be able to do what they do for so long compared to other athletes," he said.
McIlroy also made it clear he won't overstay his welcome in professional golf.
"So whenever I feel like the time is right, I'll have no problem moving aside and letting the next generation do their thing," he added.
"I don't want to be out there embarrassing myself. I'd like to walk away maybe a little before I should."
Find Out More...
The world No 2 was taunted by a spectator who referenced his infamous 2011 Masters collapse.
The incident occurred after McIlroy hit his tee shot into the water at a par three.
Video of the bizarre encounter was later posted on social media, showing the Northern Irishman calmly walking over to the fan.
McIlroy asked to see the spectator's phone before walking away with the device while looking intently at the screen.
The 35-year-old had left the course by the time the video emerged.
The fan had shouted "Just like 2011 at Augusta" after McIlroy's shot went into the water.
This referenced McIlroy's notorious collapse at the 2011 Masters, where he shot an 80 in the final round after holding a 54-hole lead.
After reloading and hitting the green, McIlroy approached the spectator and asked to see his phone.
JUST IN: Arsenal star blasted by fans for 'utter woke nonsense' behaviour in PSV Champions League draw
#WATCH — A fan shouted “just like 2011 at Augusta” after Rory McIlroy hit his first ball in the drink during a practice round…after his second shot Rory went over & took the fan’s phone: “Can I see your phone”
@TrackingRory
(Via: @gabinus_ganix) pic.twitter.com/E5OuTe3aYx
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) March 12, 2025
What became of the spectator's phone remained a mystery after the incident.
The taunt would have struck a nerve with McIlroy, who also memorably lost a two-shot lead at last year's US Open at Pinehurst.
His missed putts on the 16th and 18th holes, allowing Bryson DeChambeau to claim victory.
Despite the controversy, McIlroy is set to tee off alongside fellow Major champions Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schuffele on Thursday.
The 35-year-old enters the tournament with momentum after winning his 27th PGA Tour title at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am last month.
READ MORE: Travis Kelce 'supporting' Taylor Swift with singer 'in hiding and worried about dragging people into mess'
This victory came despite his recent disappointments in major tournaments.
McIlroy has been largely injury-free since rupturing an ankle ligament in 2015, which forced him to miss the defence of his Open title.
His consistent health has allowed him to maintain his position near the top of world golf rankings.
McIlroy has also commented on Tiger Woods' latest injury setback, saying he doesn't expect the 15-time major winner to play again this year.
Woods, 49, recently underwent surgery on a ruptured Achilles tendon.
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"It sucks. He doesn't have much luck when it comes to injuries and his body," McIlroy said.
"We obviously won't see him play golf this year, and hopefully we see him maybe play in 2026."
Woods has played a reduced schedule since suffering serious leg injuries in a car crash in 2021.
The American has not competed in a PGA Tour event since The Open in July.
Speaking before the Players Championship, McIlroy revealed his thoughts on his own eventual retirement from the sport.
The Northern Irishman stated he intends to retire with a "little bit left in the tank".
"I can acknowledge how lucky golfers are to be able to do what they do for so long compared to other athletes," he said.
McIlroy also made it clear he won't overstay his welcome in professional golf.
"So whenever I feel like the time is right, I'll have no problem moving aside and letting the next generation do their thing," he added.
"I don't want to be out there embarrassing myself. I'd like to walk away maybe a little before I should."
Find Out More...