The curious case of Rory McIlroy and the driver continued Thursday at TPC Sawgrass as McIlroy had more birdies than fairways hit. But despite his struggles off the tee, McIlroy is in prime position to win The Players Championship for a second time.

While many are in agreement that the heckler — who later issued a public apology — was in the wrong for his part in the dispute, there is a sense that McIlroy should have handled things better.

Rory McIlroy has been known to take some sharp U-turns on his opinions over the last few years, particularly as it relates to the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. He was willing to state another position Wednesday as strong as any.