A decade has passed since golf fans were riveted to their screens, witnessing an event at Augusta National that would forever etch itself into the annals of Masters history. The year was 2011, and 21-year-old Rory McIlroy, brimming with determination, was within striking distance of his maiden major championship victory. The opening rounds had been promising, with a stellar 65 followed by a solid 69 on Friday. McIlroy was four shots clear, poised for victory on the final Sunday. However, the golfing gods had a different script in mind.
The final round proved to be a calamitous one for the young golfer. A misdirected drive triggered a downward spiral that saw his dreams being shattered, one stroke at a time. A ricochet off a tree, a misplayed chip, and a heartbreaking triple-bogey were just the start. By the time he was on the 12th, he had lost six shots over just three holes. His hard-fought lead evaporated, and the dream of victory that had taken shape over three days crumbled. McIlroy finished an agonizing ten shots behind, a blow that shook his confidence to the core. With a brave smile masking his disappointment, he reassured everyone, “I’ll get over it.” But the tears that followed his phone call to his mother the next day told a different story. Little did anyone know, this painful experience would become a fuel for McIlroy’s ambition in the years to follow.
Fast forward to the present, and McIlroy is preparing for The PLAYERS Championship. During his practice round at TPC Sawgrass, an incident occurred that left spectators and the golfing world stunned. As reported by NUCLR Golf, a spectator shouted, “just like 2011 at Augusta” as the four-time major winner’s first ball found water. What happened next was completely unexpected. After his second shot, McIlroy approached the fan, asked for his phone, and proceeded to walk away with it.
The golfing world was taken aback. The audacious move sparked a flurry of reactions. One fan queried, “What’s the play here? Keep the phone? Throw it? It looks like Rory doesn’t know what to do next.”
This incident is a developing story that has once again put McIlroy under the spotlight. His shocking reaction undoubtedly has sent ripples through the golfing world. What the fallout will be, only time will tell. This unexpected turn of events has certainly added a new layer of intrigue to the upcoming PLAYERS Championship.
