The Gamers Championship is likely one of the PGA’s most prestigious occasions and has thrown up controversial moments previously – some involving Rory McIlroy.
Rory McIlroy was as soon as kicked out of a bar at The Gamers Championship (Picture: Orlando Ramirez, Getty Pictures)
The motion at TPC Sawgrass is approaching its thrilling conclusion as we enter the third day of competitors. A whopping $4.5million (£3.35m) in prize cash is on supply for the winner of the 2026 Gamers Championship, with a complete purse of $25m (£18.59m) up for grabs.
As its flagship occasion, The Gamers has all the time been a spotlight on the PGA Tour, boasting the most important prize fund of any non-major competitors. Final 12 months, Rory McIlroy claimed a outstanding victory to set him on his method for maybe his greatest season since turning skilled. The Northern Irishman claimed his second Gamers title in a three-hole mixture playoff in opposition to J.J. Spaun after each completed at 12-under-par 276. Now, Specific Sport appears again at among the most controversial incidents in current Gamers Championship historical past, from McIlroy’s infamous faux ID incident to Wyndham Clark being disqualified.
McIlroy’s debut at The Gamers at simply 20 years previous was removed from superb, failing to make the minimize after rounds of 74 and 77. However his struggles weren’t simply restricted to on the course.
Recalling his first expertise on the match, McIlroy in 2024 revealed the additional obstacles he encountered off the inexperienced after his early exit 15 years prior, together with being thrown out of native bars for utilizing a faux ID.
“The primary 12 months I performed right here, the week earlier than, I used to be in Vegas for a combat after which most likely did not put together the easiest way attainable,” the 36-year-old admitted. “I missed the minimize and ended up getting kicked out of bars in Jax seashore for having a faux ID. I’ve come a good distance!”
McIlroy discovered himself embroiled in controversy at TPC Sawgrass, not simply due to the infamous faux ID incident, as his actions got here underneath scrutiny from Jordan Spieth and Viktor Hovland in the course of the 2024 version of the match.
After his Tenth-hole tee shot took an unlucky dip, McIlroy selected a drop spot some 290 yards past, elevating eyebrows amongst his taking part in companions. The extra contentious drop came about at No. 7, sparking scepticism from each Spieth and Hovland about whether or not the ball had certainly landed earlier than the crimson line earlier than its watery endeavor.
Whereas Hovland and Spieth averted making feedback to the press, McIlroy got here ahead to elucidate and was adamant about his choice. He stated: “I am comfy. I believe that is crucial factor. I believe Jordan was simply making an attempt to guarantee that I used to be doing the fitting factor. I imply, I used to be fairly positive that my ball had crossed the place I used to be form of dropping it. I used to be adamant.
“If something, I used to be being conservative with it. I believe on the finish of the day, we’re all making an attempt to guard ourselves, shield the sphere, as properly. I would not say it was unnecessary. I believe he was simply making an attempt to guarantee that what occurred was the fitting factor.”
Rory McIlroy has clashed with Jordan Spieth earlier than at TPC Sawgrass (Picture: Getty)
Rickie Fowler’s outburst
Nevertheless, the controversy wasn’t restricted to McIlroy, with Rickie Fowler changing into entangled with spectators. The American discovered himself underneath scrutiny in the course of the 2024 Gamers Championship when he had a conflict with a fan whereas teeing off on the sixteenth gap.
His caddie, Ricky Romano, was heard asking the group to silence their telephones as Fowler ready for his tee shot.
Regardless of hitting a powerful 285-yard drive, Fowler appeared offended after the shot and was seen pointing at a spectator past the ropes, shouting: “You! What are you doing”, earlier than finishing his swing.
Fowler was upset with a fan (Picture: PGA Tour)
Wyndham Clark disqualified
In an incident from 5 years prior, one other American skilled in Wyndham Clark had a disappointing match. The 2019 Gamers Championship came about throughout Clark’s rookie season and hopes have been excessive for his efficiency in Ponte Vedra Seaside.
Nevertheless, after a poor first-round rating of 80, his match rapidly unravelled. To worsen issues, Clark was disqualified after the opening spherical for signing an incorrect scorecard.
He had recorded a 4 on the par-4 fourth gap when he had really bogeyed it. This was one Gamers Championship that Clark would undoubtedly somewhat erase from reminiscence.
Lowry took his anger out on a tree (Picture: Sky Sports activities)
Shane Lowry smashes membership
Irish golfer Shane Lowry has additionally endured a troublesome day at TPC Sawgrass previously. In 2023, Lowry, who gained The Open Championship in 2019, struggled with a five-over-par 77 on the Thursday.
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On the fifteenth, Lowry opted for a dangerous path from the bushes which did not come off. Following this setback, he vented his anger by swearing and breaking his membership throughout his knee after hanging it in opposition to a tree.
Lowry’s double-bogey on the outlet noticed him full the spherical tied in a dismal 127th place. Nonetheless, he succeeded in making the minimize and ended the match tied for thirty fifth spot with a rating of -4.
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