Rory McIlroy has refused to comment on the comments of one of the US's leading golfers after he posted a 67 at the Players Championship.
McIlroy recorded seven birdies and two bogeys at Sawgrass to finish the day just one shot behind leaders Lucas Glover, JJ Spawn and Camilo Villegas.
The world number two admitted he was lucky to hit only four fairways in a round that culminated with a spectacular pine straw shot on 18 that paved the way for a final birdie.
However, when asked about a spectator who heckled him during a practice round earlier in the week, McIlroy declined to discuss the incident.
“No, you can't,” McIlroy replied humorously when a reporter asked if he could talk about what happened.
Asked why he doesn't want to, McIlroy added with a smile: “Because I don't want you to do it.”
The incident occurred after McIlroy fell into the water on the 18th hole during a practice round, after which a spectator allegedly shouted: “Just like Augusta in 2011,” a reference to McIlroy's fall in the final round of the Masters that year.
A video of the incident has emerged on social media, showing the Northern Irishman approaching a viewer, asking for his phone number and walking away with it.
The viewer in question, University of Texas golfer Luke Potter, apologized in a phone call with Golf Channel.
“I simply made a mistake and I take responsibility for it. I sincerely apologize. That's all I can say,” Potter said.
His coach John Fields told Golf.com: “It's an awkward moment. It's especially sensitive for me because our program is built on respect for the game.”
Fields said Potter sent written apologies to both McIlroy and PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan.
Earlier, Glover had finished in style, making birdies on the last four holes to set an early mark for the club that was later matched by Spawn and Villegas.
“The margins are very thin here, like Augusta or Bay Hill,” Glover said. “If you fall a little bit behind, you can get big numbers quickly.
“So today I had a lot of good results and good shots and I was able to be aggressive
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
