Rory McIlroy was involved in a long discussion with his playing partners over a penalty drop during his first round
Rory McIlroy sought to downplay any controversy after he was involved in a lengthy debate with playing partners Jordan Spieth and Viktor Hovland over a penalty drop during his first round at the Players Championship.
The Northern Irishman enjoyed a superb start to the tournament, firing a seven-under-par 65 to take the early clubhouse lead alongside Xander Schauffele.
His round, however, was not without its drama when McIlroy, who started on the 10th, found the water twice on the 18th and 7th hole. On both occasions, there was debate as to whether his ball had bounced inside the boundary line before dropping into the hazard.
The penalty drop on the 7th, in particular, was the subject of a lengthy debate between the three players, with Spieth suggesting TV workers had seen it go straight in the water.
McIlroy, however, was adamant he had seen his ball bounce before going in, and with no TV replays to guide the players, he eventually took his drop from the left rough.
After completing the round, the golfer who has won four major championships addressed the issue in order to clarify that there was no controversy surrounding the incident. “I believe Jordan Spieth was simply checking to ensure I was following the rules,” the 34-year-old stated. “I was confident that my ball had crossed the point where I was dropping it.
It is difficult because there was no television footage available for review.” I was actually being cautious. In the end, we all want to protect ourselves and the industry. “I was resolute at first, but I began to question myself slightly. I started to wonder if what I saw was real.
The absence of television cameras made it a bit difficult to confirm. The most clear view was from the tee, where we were standing.”
Spieth and Hovland did not give any statements to the press after the round regarding the incident. However, McIlroy affirmed his belief in the accuracy of his account of what happened and asserted that he was not trying to manipulate the rules. “I ensured that Jordan and Viktor were also comfortable because I believe in being considerate.
If I make a mistake, it bothers me for the entire tournament because I strive to be a conscientious golfer,” he said.
“I strongly believe in the concept of karma, so I think that if you do something wrong, it will eventually catch up to you. I always make an effort to do the right thing, follow the rules, and act morally.
I believe I demonstrated that in those two instances where I made mistakes.”