WATCH: Rory McIlroy seizes phone of fan after getting heckled over 2011 Masters Tournament collapse during The Players Championship practice round

Rory McIlroy would shockingly grab the phone of a heckler during a practice round after he was heckled over his 2011 Masters collapse.

WATCH: Rory McIlroy seizes phone of fan after getting heckled over 2011 Masters Tournament collapse during The Players Championship practice round

After a fan painfully reminded Rory McIlroy about his 2011 Masters Collapse, he would walk towards the fan and grabbed his phone (Image via Imago/X)

Ahead of the 51st The Players Championship, 4-time major champion Rory McIlroy took part in a practice round on Wednesday. During this, he was heckled by a fan regarding his 2011 Masters Tournament collapse. The North Irishman would later confront the fan and seized his phone.

During the 2011 Masters Tournament at the Augusta National, the then 21-year-old McIlroy held a 4 strokes lead after the first three rounds. However, he suffered a dramatic collapse in the final round.

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He made a triple bogey on the par-4 10th hole. A bogey on the 11th and a double-bogey on the 12th proved to be a huge turning point for McIlroy, who finished 8-over 80 and finished 15th in the standings. A few months later, he did bounce back from this defeat and claimed the U.S. Open title.

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Fast forward to 2025 and McIlroy and still not won the Masters. Had he won that day, he would have completed the career grand slam in 2014 when he won the Open Championship.

On Wednesday, McIlroy was reminded of his painful moment by a fan. After hitting a shot in the water, a fan would yell, “Just like 2011 at Augusta“. The 35-year-old would hit another shot and then walk towards the fan. The golfer would shockingly seize the phone of the fan after being heard saying “can I see your phone?“

After taking the phone, the golfer looked down at it and then started walking away from the scene. The fan on the other hand, was left stunned by the actions of McIlroy.

This is not the first time, McIlroy has snapped at a heckler in 2025. During the Genesis Invitational at the Torrey Pines course, he was heard dropping an F-bomb on a fan who was trying to heckle his caddie, Harry Diamond.

Rory McIlroy claims he will not play on senior tour

During the press conference ahead of The Players Championship, Rory McIlroy dropped a huge statement regarding his future. The 27-time PGA Tour champion claimed that he will not play on the PGA Tour Champions, the senior tour.

Rory McIlroy
Rory McIlroy (Image via X)

After turning 50, the PGA Tour members are eligible to play in the senior tour. In December, 15-time major champion Tiger Woods will become eligible for this from next year.

McIlroy on the other hand, is still far from reaching the age of 50. However, he has no intentions of playing on the senior tour.

Absolutely not. I will not play Champions Tour golf. Look, I’ve said a lot of absolutes in my time that I’ve walked back. But I do not envision playing Champions Tour golf. Something has went terribly wrong if I have to compete at golf at 50.

Rory McIlroy said in The Players Championship press conference

McIlroy also mentioned that he would step away from the sport and give the younger generation a chance to take over once he has achieved everything in his career.

Earlier this year, McIlroy revealed his three major golf goals. Two of them can be achieved this year as he wants to win the Masters Tournament and have another Ryder Cup win. His final goal is to win an Olympic medal in golf.

Rory McIlroy takes huge swipe at YouTube golf

Ahead of The Players Championship, several YouTube stars came together at TPC Sawgrass to take part in the Creator Classic. As YouTube star Grant Horvat took home this title, Rory McIlroy was asked about YouTube golf. He would then take a huge swipe at this.

Rory McIlroy
Rory McIlroy (Image via Imago)

In the press conference ahead of the event, McIlroy expressed that he has no interest in watching YouTube golf. He added that he would rather watch an actual tournament than watching this content.

Yeah, I’m not of that generation, I’d much rather watch pure competitive, I’d much rather watch this [Players Championship] on Saturday and Sunday than watch YouTube golf. No, I mean, look, I’m happy for the people that enjoy it, but I enjoy something else.

Rory McIlroy said

McIlroy’s words have sparked some controversy. Several social media users would react negatively to this comments from him. This also promoted a strong response from Robby Berger of Bob Does Sports, who had an awkward interaction with the golfer a few months ago.