Rory McIlroy has clashed with Jordan Spieth before at TPC Sawgrass (Image: Getty Images)
Action at is reaching a thrilling climax, with players vying for a slice of the staggering £19million purse as the weekend’s play winds down. The Players has always been a highlight on the , boasting the largest prize fund of any non-major or major tournament.
Last year, secured a memorable victory, with an outstanding 20-under-par, narrowly edging out American contenders , Brian Harman, and by just one stroke. But it’s not just the golf that’s made headlines; the tournament has seen its fair share of drama over the years. We take a look back at some of the most contentious moments in recent Players Championship history, from ‘s infamous fake ID incident to ‘s heated exchange with a spectator.
Rory McIlroy’s fake ID
McIlroy’s introduction to The Players at just 20 years old was less than ideal, failing to make the cut after rounds of 74 and 77. However, his troubles didn’t end on the course.
Reflecting on his first experience at the tournament last year, McIlroy revealed the additional challenges he faced off the green following his early exit 15 years prior, including being ejected from local bars for using a fake ID.
“The first year I played here, the week before, I was in Vegas for a fight and then probably didn’t prepare the best way possible,” McIlroy, now 35, confessed. “I missed the cut and ended up getting kicked out of bars in Jax beach for having a fake ID. I’ve come a long way!”
A young McIlroy flopped in Florida (Image: PA)
Drop controversy
McIlroy has found himself swimming in controversy at TPC Sawgrass, not just due to the infamous fake ID snafu, as his conduct was called into question by Jordan Spieth and Viktor Hovland during last year’s play.
Following his 10th-hole tee shot taking an unwelcome dip, McIlroy chose a drop spot some 290 yards beyond – raising eyebrows amongst his playing mates. The more contentious drop took place at No. 7, sparking skepticism from both Spieth and Hovland about whether the ball had indeed landed before the red line before its watery undertaking.
Though Hovland and Spieth shied away from press comments, McIlroy stepped up to clarify, adamant about his decision: “I’m comfortable. I think that’s the most important thing. I think Jordan was just trying to make sure that I was doing the right thing. I mean, I was pretty sure that my ball had crossed where I was sort of dropping it. I was adamant.
“If anything, I was being conservative with it. I think at the end of the day, we’re all trying to protect ourselves, protect the field, as well. I wouldn’t say it was needless. I think he was just trying to make sure that what happened was the right thing.”
Spieth and Hovland questioned McIlroy (Image: Getty)
Rickie Fowler’s outburst
But controversy wasn’t exclusive to McIlroy, with Fowler also finding himself embroiled with fans. The American found himself in the spotlight during last year’s Players Championship when he had a run-in with a fan while teeing off on the 16th hole. His caddie, Ricky Romano, was overheard asking spectators to silence their phones as Fowler prepared for his tee shot.
Despite hitting an impressive 285-year drive, Fowler appeared upset after the shot and was seen pointing at a fan behind the ropes, shouting: “You! What are you doing”, before completing his swing.
Fowler was upset with a fan (Image: PGA Tour)
Wyndham Clark disqualified
In an incident from five years prior, another American pro in Clark had a disappointing tournament. The 2019 Players Championship took place during Clark’s rookie season, and expectations were high for his performance in Ponte Vedra Beach.
However, after a poor first-round score of 80 his tournament quickly unravelled. To add insult to injury, Clark was disqualified after the opening round for signing an incorrect scorecard – he had recorded a four at the par-4 fourth hole when he had actually bogeyed it. This was one Players Championship that Clark would undoubtedly prefer to erase from memory.
Lowry took his anger out on a tree (Image: Sky Sports)
Shane Lowry smashes club
Irish golfer Shane Lowry also had a challenging day at TPC Sawgrass. In 2023, Lowry, who won The Open Championship in 2019, struggled with a five-over-par 77 on the Thursday.
On the 15th, Lowry chose a risky path from the trees which didn’t pay off. In response to this setback, he vented his frustration by swearing and snapping his club on his knee after hitting it into a tree.
Lowry’s double-bogey on this hole contributed to him finishing the round tied in a disappointing 127th place. Despite this, he managed to make the cut and ended the tournament tied for 35th place with a score of -4.