It’s not so much that it happened but that it keeps happening, and that golf desperately needs to stop it from happening again. The Players Championship has begun, but the talk at TPC Sawgrass is a viral confrontation between four-time major champion Rory McIlroy and a spectator.

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. He is not playing the PGA Tour Champions when he turns 50.

McIlroy, who added that he still has plenty of things he hopes to accomplish in his golf career, has myriad interests outside of golf including as the co-founder of TGL and a growing business portfolio, which at least partially explains the 27-time Tour winner’s take on the over-50 circuit.

Tiger confirmed a few days ago that he had another surgery, and it is certain that he will be out for a long time again.

Scheffler and McIlory have both won the tournament in the past. McIlroy won The Players back in 2019, while Scheffler has won the last tournaments, with Schauffele finishing tied for second in 2024. Scheffler is the first player ever to win The Players in consecutive years, and is a favorite to win it for a third straight year.

For Rory McIlroy, it's been feast or famine at The Players Championship entering 2025. Now McIlroy, and other golfers, have a new obstacle to face.

Rory McIlroy had no time for obnoxious hecklers during his practice round at The PLAYERS Championship on Wednesday.

Rory McIlroy has sparked controversy after snatching a heckling fan's phone at Sawgrass before the Players Championship. The world No 2 was taunted by a spectator who referenced his infamous 2011 Masters collapse.

After Rory McIlroy returned to the tee box for his second shot, he walked straight to the fan, with the club still in his hand and asked for his phone.