Rory McIlroy didn’t mince his words when it came to criticising a fellow professional for their on-course behaviour. It follows a high-profile incident of one golfer losing their rag during a key moment at a recent tournament.
Patton Kizzire went as far as issuing a public apology after the former PGA Tour champion was caught on camera volleying his club through the air after missing a crucial put at the Valspar Championship. The American was lambasted for the move, and during his social media sorry video, he vowed to be a “better version” of himself.
McIlroy, who is often heralded as the consummate professional, was quick to reiterate that players on the Tour should be setting an example to those watching around the world. Speaking ahead of the Houston Open, the recently-crowned Players Champion said: “It can be relatable, but at the same time, you want to try to set a proper example. Like you don’t want — you don’t want 10-year-old kids punting their putters across the green every time they miss a putt.”
The four-time major winner added: “But at the same time, it does show that we are human, and it shows the human side to ourselves. But at the same time, we have a responsibility to set an example, and golf is a lot about the etiquette of the game and doing the right thing. There’s a balance to be struck there.”
McIlroy will be hoping to find the balance once again on the course when he takes part in what will likely be his final event before the year’s first major championship at Augusta next month. He caught the eye at the Players Championship earlier in March and the Irishman was able to keep his cool in a play-off against JJ Spaun to take his second title of what’s already proving to be a profitable 2025.
Commenting after his St. Patrick’s Day victory in Florida, Sky Sports analyst Wayne Riley said: “Rory doesn’t like that and he loves a little motivation, he is very much a confidence golfer. Everyone has got to remember what Scottie [Scheffler] did last year has been done before. Justin Thomas has done things like that, [Jordan] Spieth was doing things like that, Rory was doing things like that.
“Unsurprisingly, Tiger Woods has done things like that every second year for so very long. Rory McIlroy wants to go out there and get a five-win season this year and he has already got two big ones early doors.”
