A college golfer’s celebratory day at The Players Championship turned sour after he heckled Rory McIlroy, leading to an awkward confrontation that ended with McIlroy walking away with the student’s phone.
Luke Potter, a University of Texas golfer, was riding high after winning his first NCAA tournament at Sawgrass Country Club on Monday. He and his teammates headed over to TPC Sawgrass the next day to watch the pros practice.
It started out as a dream day. Golf stars Jordan Spieth and Scottie Scheffler – both Texas alumni – congratulated Potter and his teammates on their victory.
But things went downhill fast at the 18th tee.
When McIlroy hit a poor shot into the water, Potter reportedly shouted “just like the 2011 Masters” – a reference to McIlroy’s infamous collapse at Augusta National. The four-time major champion didn’t take kindly to the comment.
A video captured what happened next: McIlroy striped his second attempt down the fairway, then walked straight over to Potter, asked for his phone, and took it before walking away. A stunned Potter was then asked to leave the course.
“I just made a mistake, and I take ownership for it,” Potter later told Golf Channel. “It’s just a good learning experience. I apologize.”
His coach, John Fields, said Potter was devastated by the incident.
“He’s got a hole in his heart,” Fields said. “He had no idea that what was coming out of his mouth was going to result in this fashion.”
Potter has written apology letters to McIlroy, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan, and several others involved.
McIlroy, who shot an impressive 67 in Thursday’s opening round, refused to discuss the incident with reporters.
“No, you can’t,” he said firmly when asked about the “shenanigans with the fan.”
The incident overshadowed what had been a breakthrough win for Potter, who’s currently ranked 60th in world amateur rankings. Just a year ago, he transferred to Texas from Arizona State after falling out of their lineup.
Back in 2022, Potter was actually the top-ranked junior in a class that included current PGA Tour winner Nick Dunlap and LIV Golf’s Caleb Surratt.
Now he’s learned a tough lesson about respect in professional golf – and probably wishes he’d kept that Masters comment to himself.
