One of the essential golden rules of golf is that, as a spectator, you don’t distract golfers while they’re on the green. You keep your voice down and let them stay focused while they do their thing.
Someone did not pass along this memo to a fan during the BMW Championship on Saturday. Before Rory McIlroy prepared to putt on the 15th hole, a fan brought out a remote-control ball and guided it onto the green.
Needless to say, even as the fan professed that this was his “dream” to McIlroy, the golfer was not pleased with the significant intrusion. McIlroy was so annoyed he tried to swat at the remote-control ball with his putter before eventually tossing it into the water on the other side of the hole:
A fan was moving a remote-control ball on the green during play…
Rory was NOT having it 👀pic.twitter.com/wG1TuixJFI
— Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) August 20, 2022
For the record, McIlroy’s pairing partner, Scott Stallings, fully supported the move, too:
In full support of this 👏👏👏 @McIlroyRory https://t.co/LTGqOJAQvU
— Scott Stallings (@stallingsgolf) August 20, 2022
After McIlroy got rid of the ball, a police officer came and escorted the fan away from the action. If it was indeed his dream to interrupt a McIllroy putt — I hope it was worth it.
Golf fans loved the way McIlroy handled the remote-control ball
Love it Rory lol https://t.co/5jYBgLCrlA
— Mr. Schneebly (@zackariahhandy) August 20, 2022
Rory yeeted it into the pond 😭😭😭😭 https://t.co/zhQpKxvVZv
— Kevin Breeze (@Kbreeze20) August 20, 2022
I don't blame him. https://t.co/iss8DZ9MkX
— R. Jackson (@RmJack13) August 20, 2022
Suddenly I love Rory
— FAFO Fal ⚰️🔪🧨💉🗡️⚔️💣 (@IYoHuckleB) August 20, 2022
We're all just accepting remote controlled golf ball?
— MBogie34 (@MBogie34) August 20, 2022
Some dude snuck onto the 15th green at @BMWchamps and dropped a remote control ball on the green while Rory McIlroy was lining up his putt. Rory picked up the ball and threw it in a lake, then the guy got arrested. One of the funniest things I’ve ever seen at a live event.
— Matt Carey (@RealMattCarey) August 20, 2022
A fan came onto the 15th green & threw a remote controlled ball towards the hole.. Rory McIlroy threw it into the pond.. I have never liked Rory more than I do now
— Sports in Five (@sportsinfive) August 20, 2022
