Rory McIlroy loses his cool at The Open as Sky Sports forced to apologise
The commentators were quick to apologise to viewers as McIlroy's irritation became evident. The incident unfolded during his second round, where he played alongside Ryder Cup colleague Tommy Fleetwood and former world number one Justin Thomas.
McIlroy's excellent tee shot on the 15th was followed by a disappointing second shot that didn't make it to the green, resulting in the slip-up.
"Ahh, I [inaudible] the f*** out of it," McIlroy could be heard muttering, with the nearby microphones picking up his words, reports the Mirror.
Sky Sports' Laura Davies commented on the mishap, saying: "That's a mistake, such a shame after the tee shot gave him the shot where he can hit spin. You'd have thought he might have tried to land it just beyond it, but that's not an easy up and down, though very doable for him, he's so good."
Her co-commentator Andrew Coltart then said: "An apology for the language from Rory earlier on."
Earlier this year, McIlroy secured the career Grand Slam with a thrilling playoff win at the Masters, and now he's under immense pressure at Royal Portrush, where he once set a course record of 61 as a young golfer in 2005.
McIlroy has previously discussed the emotional toll of playing on home turf, particularly following a disappointing performance at this venue in 2019, where an initial triple bogey dashed his hopes early on.
This year, he entered the tournament in fine form, having tied for second place at the Genesis Scottish Open, narrowly missing out to Chris Gotterup.
While not topping the leaderboard, McIlroy's game has been steady. After handling the challenging first-round conditions well, he followed up with a respectable 69 in the second round, keeping him within reach of the leaders.
Scottie Scheffler, the world No. 1 and recent PGA Championship winner, is also in the running, along with Brian Harman, while defending champion Xander Schauffele and 2019 victor Shane Lowry are hot on their heels.
However, McIlroy remains a fan favourite, with many hoping he can secure a sixth major trophy - and his first Claret Jug since 2014.
With the final rounds yet to be played, McIlroy's challenge will be to balance his ambition with the weight of expectation. All eyes in Portrush are on him, waiting to see if his determination can drive him to a memorable victory on home ground.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
‘Now you're quiet' – Nico Rosberg in frosty exchange with Jos Verstappen over Christian Horner after Red Bull sacking
NICO ROSBERG and Jos Verstappen shared a frosty exchange over Christian Horner's Red Bull sacking. Horner was following a string of woeful results at the team. 2 Martin Brundle, Jos Verstappen and Nico Rosberg It also came amid rumoured friction between Jos - who raced professionally from 1994-2003 - was probed about Horner's exit by Martin Brundle at the Belgian GP. Brundle asked: "Big changes in the team. Are you and Max and everybody happy with where it's going so far?" Jos replied: "Well, they decided to change so I'm fine with everything. So as long as it works." READ MORE IN F1 Former F1 champion Rosberg, working for Sky Sports, awkwardly gatecrashed the interview. And he told Jos: "Last year, you said Horner needs to go!" Jos replied: "That was one and a half year ago. It's different. I have nothing to say. It's fine." Rosberg then added: "Now you're quiet?" Most read in Motorsport Jos responded: "I'm always quiet." Reigning world champ Verstappen still has three years left on his Red Bull deal but remains linked with a move to Mercedes. Christian Horner 'in tears' during farewell speech to Red Bull employees as sacked boss admits decision came as 'shock' But the Dutchman insisted Horner's exit will have no bearing on his future with Red Bull. He said: "No, it doesn't really. Now, I think people can have a difference of opinion here and then. "And I actually expect that to happen because if everyone always agrees, there is a problem. You need to have difference of opinions. "And yeah, that's now something that we work with in a different direction. I'm excited about it. "Like you said, I don't think it will matter at all for my decision in the future. "And yet, the only thing that matters is that we work on the car and make it as fast as we can make it, really. "And like I said, the last one and a half years have not been what we want to be. "Now we try and be more competitive this year a little bit, but for sure also with the new regulations." 2 Max Verstappen insisted Horner's exit will have no bearing on his future with Red Bull Credit: PA
The 42
5 hours ago
- The 42
World champion Littler survives early scare to book first World Matchplay final
WORLD CHAMPION LUKE Littler survived an early scare to book his first Betfred World Matchplay final after an historic encounter against Josh Rock at Blackpool's Winter Gardens. The 18-year-old recovered from being 5-0 down in less than 10 minutes to close out a 17-4 win, which included a perfect nine-darter which he admits kick-started his comeback. Twenty-nine 180s was the most in World Matchplay history as Littler, who had 15 of those, finished with a 107.5 average – Rock averaged 104.1 – and is one victory away from becoming only the fifth person to win the Triple Crown of World Championship, World Matchplay and Premier League. Advertisement 'It was an incredible game. I wasn't happy at 5-0 down, it was a slow start but I picked myself up,' Littler told Sky Sports. 'I wouldn't say Josh fell off but those first five legs from him were unbelievable. I just said to myself 'you can do it, you have been here before' – and I've done it again. 'As soon as I got into the lead, I just had to break and hold and get that two-leg advantage which I did and hold my own throw.' On his nine-dart finish – in a leg where Rock had thrown successive 180s to set up a nine-darter himself – he added: 'It definitely sparked me into life. I didn't want to give it big because I was playing awful.' His opponent in the final is James Wade, who admitted he 'hated every minute' of his epic 20-18 win over Jonny Clayton to reach his seventh final. The 42-year-old Englishman, who last won this event 18 years ago, had been 7-2 and 16-10 up and needed just one leg for victory only for his opponent to win six in a row and force extra legs. Clayton then missed two doubles to level at 19-19 and Wade staggered over the line. 'I'm done. I think Jonny just let me off at the last minute – but I let him off before that,' he told Sky Sports. 'I'm exhausted after that. I hoped the crowd here and everyone at home enjoyed themselves because I hated every minute of it.'
The Irish Sun
8 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Burnley goal-scoring legend Willie Irvine dies aged 82 as tributes pour in
BURNLEY legend Willie Irvine has died aged 82. The Northern Irish striker plundered 97 goals in 148 games for the now-Premier League club. Advertisement He played for the Clarets between 1960 and 1968, before joining Lancashire rivals Preston North End and later Brighton & Hove Albion. 'We would like to send our condolences to the friends and family of Burnley legend, Willie Irvine,' the Clarets Trust said in a statement. 'The Northern Irishman was one of the finest goalscorers Turf Moor has seen, and delivered matchday tours later on in life. "He will always be remembered fondly.' Advertisement The Burnley FC Independent Supporters Association added: 'We are devastated to hear of the passing of Burnley legend, Willie Irvine. "A remarkable goalscorer who was truly adored in our town. 'Our thoughts are with his wife, Rita; his sons, Darren, Stephen and Jonathan and all of their families. Rest in Peace, Willie.' A statement from Preston North End read: 'We are saddened to learn of the passing of our former player Willie Irvine, who made 81 appearances for North End between 1968 and 1971. Advertisement Most read in Football Exclusive Breaking "Our thoughts are with Willie's friends and family at this difficult time.' 1 William 'Willie' Irvine remains a legend at Turf Moor Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
