Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy got into a heated argument about where the Northern Irishman’s golf ball went into the water.
Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy got into a heated argument during the Players Championship opening round.
The topic of discussion was where McIlroy’s ball ended up on the seventh hole at TPC Sawgrass, a par-4.
Regarding whether the Ulsterman’s TP5x landed above or below the fairway bunker’s red line before bouncing into the water, there was some confusion.
For the second time in his first eighteen holes, McIlroy was unsure of where to drop his tee shot and ended up in a watery grave.
Before it hit the water, McIlroy insisted his golf ball landed above the red line. Not sure about that, Spieth.
“I feel fairly at ease.” McIlroy told Viktor Hovland, who was standing in the center of the fairway, “I saw it above the red line.”
Hovland stated that while he believed it to be close, he was unable to be certain. The debate heated up when Spieth entered the discussion.
The group needed 25 minutes to play the entire exchange, which lasted about 12 minutes. Despite the fact that they were awaiting the front group.
Spieth thought McIlroy had no right to drop from where he was standing because “everyone” had caught the ball landing below the line.
McIlroy said, “Who is everyone? Jordan, who are you talking about?
Spieth admitted there was no real video, but he said the TV crew saw McIlroy’s ball fall below the line.
He reminded McIlroy that the decision of where to drop is ultimately his.
When a rules official arrived, McIlroy gave his explanation, saying, “I believe my ball bounced above the red line, but it’s not conclusive.”
“We’re trying to check with TV, but they can’t say,” said the person who was most comfortable that it had.
Then Spieth added, “I think it’s safe to say that it crossed some land; the question is just where the drop is.” due to the close proximity.”
McIlroy informed Spieth that he was putting the ball “back” into the water after it had kicked. He remarked, “I’m sort of trying to split the difference.”
Viktor Hovland, Jordan Spieth, and Rory McIlroy talk about McIlroy’s drop at No. 7.
Rory moves from solo leader to T2 with a double bogey.
Taking a drop, McIlroy proceeded to make a double bogey six on the hole.
The four-time major winner then finished with a 7-under 65 after making a final-hole birdie at the ninth hole. He took the back nine to begin.
He and Xander Schauffele were sharing the lead at the time.
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