University of Texas golfer Luke Potter has apologized after he reportedly was removed from the grounds at TPC Sawgrass earlier this week for heckling star golfer Rory McIlroy.
Video of the incident spread on social media earlier the week. McIlroy, playing a practice round Tuesday at Sawgrass ahead of this week’s Players Championship in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, hit a drive on the 18th hole into the water, then immediately turned back, walked over to Potter standing outside the ropes, asked for his cell phone, took it and then walked away.
It wasn’t clear in the video what Potter said, but Golf.com reported that he referenced the 2011 Masters, when McIlroy melted down on the back nine Sunday, shot an 80 and finished 10 shots behind winner Charl Schwartzel.
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Golf.com also reported that Potter was later escorted off the course. His phone was returned.
Asked about the incident, Potter told Golf Channel: “Look, I just made a mistake, and I take ownership for it. I apologize for it. That’s about all that needs to be said. … It’s just a good learning experience. Yeah, I apologize.”
A day before the incident, Potter had earned his first NCAA individual victory, beating the field at the John Hayt Collegiate Invitational at Sawgrass Country Club, which is near TPC Sawgrass. Potter posted a final-round 69 and helped the Longhorns rally for a 7-shot win.
“He’s got a hole in his heart,” Texas golf coach John Fields told Golf.com of Potter. “He had no idea that what was coming out of his mouth was going to result in this fashion.
“With regards to our University of Texas program, I mean it’s an embarrassing moment. It is particularly sensitive to me because our program is built on respect for the game, and I would tell you that we coach 18- to 22-year-olds on a normal basis and they don’t always make the right call, and that’s my responsibility as a coach, and when they do make a mistake it’s a learning moment.”
Fields added that Potter sent written apologies to McIlroy, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan and several others. He did not say if the junior from California would be disciplined within the team.
McIlroy opened with a 5-under 67 at the Players on Thursday and is one shot off the lead.
After his round, he was asked twice about the incident. He first said he didn’t want to talk about it. Then asked if he knew it was Potter who heckled him, he added: “I’m really happy I shot 66 today.”
ESPN’s Paolo Uggetti contributed to this report.
