TPC Sawgrass agronomy staff, PGA Tour rules officials make rough decisions
The decision on how high to cut the rough at the Players Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass is a collaboration between rules and agronomy officials
University of Texas golfer Luke Potter has apologized after heckling PGA star Rory McIlroy from the sidelines at The Players Championship in Florida.
Less than 24 hours after securing his first collegiate victory, Potter was reportedly escorted out of TPC Sawgrass after making a comment about McIlroy’s poor tee shot, referencing the golfer’s infamous collapse at the 2011 Masters.
As McIlroy’s drive on the 18th hole found the water, Potter remarked, “Just like the 2011 Masters.” The comment alluded to McIlroy’s meltdown on the back nine of the 2011 Masters, where he shot an 80 and finished 10 strokes behind winner Charl Schwartzel.
Potter, a junior at Texas, had won the John Hayt Invitational at Sawgrass Country Club just a day earlier.
A video posted online captured McIlroy hitting a second drive before approaching Potter and his teammate. Looking at Potter’s teammate, McIlroy asked, “Can I see your phone?” Without hesitation, he took the phone and walked away as Potter stood silently beside him. According to Golf.com, the phone was later returned, but Potter was removed from the course.
The PGA Tour’s fan code of conduct prohibits spectators from “making rude, vulgar or other inappropriate comments or gestures.”
Potter apologizes to McIlroy: ‘I just made a mistake’
Texas head golf coach John Fields told Golf.com that Potter “had no idea what was coming out of his mouth was going to result in this fashion.”
He said Potter has written letters of apology to PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan, PGA Tour University director Brendan von Doehren and UNF coach Scott Schroeder, whose program hosts the Hayt and helps participants get Players tickets for the day after.
“Look, I just made a mistake, and I take ownership for it,” Potter told GolfChannel.com by phone. “I apologize for it. That’s about all that needs to be said. … It’s just a good learning experience. Yeah, I apologize.” He also remarked that McIlroy was a great player.
McIlroy declined to comment.
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