University of Texas golfer Luke Potter apologized after he removed from the ground at TPC Sawgrass earlier this week for Heckling Star Golfer Rory McIlroy.
Videos of the incident spread on social media earlier this week. McIlroy practiced in Sawgrass before the player championship at Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida this week, drove into the water on the 18th hole, then immediately turned around and walked to Potter standing outside the rope, demanded his phone, demanded his phone, and then walked away.
What Potter said is not clear in the video, but Golf.com reported that he referenced the 2011 Masters, when McIlroy melted in the last nine Sundays, shot 80 shots and trailed 10 goals by winner Charl Schwartzel.
Golf.com also reported that Porter was later escorted out. His phone was returned.
When asked about the incident, Porter said to the Golf Channel: “Look, I just made a mistake and I grabbed ownership for it. I apologize for it. That’s all there is to say. … It’s just a great learning experience. Yes, I’m sorry.”
The day before the incident, Porter won his first NCAA personal victory, defeating the John Hayt Collegiate invitational at the Sawgrass Country Club near TPC Sawgrass. Potter posted the final round of 69 and helped Longhorns Rally win seven times.
“He has a hole in his heart,” Texas golf coach John Fields told Potter’s Golf.com. “He didn’t know that his mouth would cause this way.
“About our University of Texas program, I mean an embarrassing moment. It’s particularly sensitive to me because our program is built on respect for the game and I’ll tell you that we normally mentor kids aged 18 to 22 and they don’t always make the right appeal, and when I make a mistake, it’s a learning moment.”
Fields added that Porter apologized to McIlroy, PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan and others. He did not say whether juniors from California would be disciplined on the team.
McIlroy opened on Thursday’s Player Games with a 67-under 67 and took the lead.
After the turn, he was asked about the incident twice. He first said he didn’t want to talk about it. Then when asked if he knew it was Potter hecking him, he added: “I’m so glad I shot 67 today.”
ESPN’s Paolo Uggetti contributed to the report.
