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Rory McIlroy stirred controversy on Thursday at The Players Championship 2024. The Northern Irishman rinsed two tee balls into the water, including one at the first at TPC Sawgrass’ par-4 18th hole during round 1 of the competition. The 34-year-old did it a second time on the par-4 seventh, which caused a lengthy back-and-forth.
McIlroy's drop spot got tee partners Viktor Hovland and Jordan Spieth talking. The latter two were interested in McIlroy's explanation for where he dropped the ball after it went into the water. The trio spent over eight minutes discussing where the ball should be dropped.
The 4x Major champion's ball placement ultimately led to a 12-minute stop in procedures. The move had officials and fans scratching their heads.
While many fans backed McIlroy's final decision, several others were not entirely kind to the Ryder Cup star. The ace golfer, who is usually not involved in controversy, saw himself causing one. Fans dug into him as the video of the debate went viral on social media.
The controversial move, which caused an abnormal eight-minute to and fro between players, has many questioning the officials as well.
One fan questioned if another drop he'd had was legal and called him a cheat. They also applauded Hovland for saying something about it.
Someone else echoed this sentiment and lobbied that the PGA Tour star should have had to shoot again with a penalty. A double bogey on the hole wasn't punishment enough.
Another fan couldn't figure out how McIlroy could justify his drop spot based on the explanation for the shot.
Here are a few more reactions:
Fans loved seeing the drama, but they're not convinced that McIlroy didn't do anything wrong here.
Rory McIlroy dismisses drop spot controversy
Ultimately, all the arguing was for nothing. Rory McIlroy's initial drop spot was upheld, and the trio spent 12 minutes discussing for really no reason. However, it doesn't appear that McIlroy has any hard feelings about it, and he's tied for The Players lead with Xander Schauffele after one round.
Afterwards, he dismissed it all away, but he did say that he believed Spieth had the right intentions. He was sure Spieth simply wanted to make sure that McIlroy did the right thing, but he was also sure that he was doing the right thing.
Rory McIlroy explained in his post-round press conference:
"I was pretty sure that my ball had crossed where I was sort of dropping it. It’s so hard, right, because there was no TV evidence. If anything I was being conservative with it. I think at the end of the day we’re all trying to protect ourselves, protect the field, as well."
Rory Mcllroy did question himself, but after the 12-minute argument, the ball was placed where he originally thought and he played a double bogey on the hole. It was a downhole for what had otherwise been a brilliant first round.
It is pertinent to note that the ace golfer will start round 2 of The Players outing in the lead.
