A University of Texas golf player was removed from the grounds of TPC Sawgrass during a playing championship practice round at TPC Sawgrass for a moment that has since become viral on social media involving the PGA Tour star Rory McIlroy.
Luke Potter, a junior in Longhorn’s golf program, became viral after McIlroy went to him after the young golfer seemed to say something to the four-time big master just after his driving went into the water on hole 18.
While it is unknown what Potter said, McIlroy obviously did not like it when he immediately turned around and went to him. McIlroy then asked for Potter’s cell phone and took it.
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Rory McIlroy Tees out on the seventh hole during the first round of Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, fl., Thursday, March 13, 2025. (Doug Angels/Florida Times-Union)
McIlroy started walking with Potter’s phone, apparently looking for the video he thought Potter had taken at that moment.
Golf.com reported Potter referring to McIlroy’s Masters in 2011, where he notorious had a meltdown during the final round of Sunday of that year, eventually shot an 80 and lost the tournament to Charl Schwartzel.
When McIlroy looked through Potter’s phone, the Texas golf player was allegedly escorted from the field. His phone was later given back to him.
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“Look, I just made a mistake and I take ownership of it,” Potter said, according to the golf channel about what had happened to McIlroy. “I apologize for that. That’s about all that needs to be said … It’s just a good learning experience. Yes, I apologize.”
Potter drove high in his college career at the time of the incident, after winning his first NCAA individual tournament when he won John Hayt Collegiate Invitational at the Sawgrass Country Club. This course is very close to TPC Sawgrass, where players are held every year.
John Fields, Potter’s golf coach in Texas, also talked to Golf.com about the incident.
Arizona State golfer Luke Potter looks over his putt on the seventh hole under the NCAA Championship Match Play Quarterfinals at Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona on May 30, 2023. (IMagn)
“He didn’t know that what came out of his mouth would result in this way,” Fields said.
“As for our University of Texas program, I think it’s an embarrassing moment. It is especially sensitive to me because our program is built on respect for the game and I will tell you that we are training 18- to 22-year-olds on a normal basis and they do not always make the right call and it is my responsibility as a coach and when they make a mistake.”
However, McIlroy was not blown off the moment when he started the tournament with a 5-under first round on Thursday. He is a shot from the leaders, Lucas Glover, JJ Spaun and Camilo Villegas, all of whom ended 6-under.
However, McIlroy would not answer two different questions about the incident after his round.
Fields noted that Potter had sent a written letter of apology to McIlroy, due to Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan and others.
