US Open clarifies incident involving Rory McIlroy
US Open organisers have clarified a controversial incident involving Rory McIlroy, after viewers mistakenly believed a spectator had picked up his ball during the opening round at Shinnecock Hills, reports BritPanorama.
The incident occurred on the fourth hole, where McIlroy was playing his 13th shot of the day. After hitting his second shot out of thick rough, the ball veered off course, hitting a cart path before landing near a group of spectators.
A female spectator then appeared to approach the ball, leading to audible gasps from those nearby, as many presumed she had interfered with play. Television coverage cut away from the scene, which left viewers with the impression that the ball had been touched, while McIlroy remained unaware of the unfolding situation.
In response to the backlash, the United States Golf Association (USGA) confirmed that the ball was never lifted. A spokesperson stated that the fan “stopped just before picking it up” and confirmed through video review and eyewitness accounts that McIlroy played the ball as it lay.
Following the incident, calls for a ban on the spectator circulated online, but the USGA characterized this criticism as misplaced. Their review found no foul play, allowing McIlroy to proceed with his game.
Despite the distraction, McIlroy completed an encouraging opening round of one-under-par 69. His performance included three birdies and an eagle on the fifth hole, although he faced challenges, dropping shots on the final two holes.
McIlroy reflected on the day’s conditions, stating, “With the conditions today, anything under par or anything around even par is a good score.” After a disappointing start in the previous US Open held at Shinnecock in 2018, where he opened with an 80, this round marked a significant improvement.
As he finished, McIlroy expressed frustration over his final two holes but acknowledged his approach to minimize mistakes, highlighting a strategic mindset going into the weekend. He teams up with fellow Ryder Cup players Tommy Fleetwood and Ludvig Aberg, with the second round set to begin at 7.02pm UK time on Friday.
Such moments in golf remind us how swiftly opinions can shift, and how the game often dances on a fine line between chaos and control.
