Rory McIlroy weighs in on “relatable” temper tantrums

You may have noticed an increase in players having temper tantrums on the PGA Tour this year. If so, you’re not alone. So has Rory McIlroy.

At last week’s Valspar Championship, fits of pique were in rich supply.

Patton Kizzire dropped-kicked his putter. Adam Hadwin got so angry he inadvertently activated a sprinkler. Even the usually mild-mannered Sahith Theegala got in on the act.

Players having an, ahem, adverse reaction to their bad luck is hardly new. However, it does appear to have increased in frequency of late, prompting many to suggest that it’s time for pros to be more mindful of their responsibilities to impressionable young fans.

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McIlroy – no stranger to a little outburst himself – was asked about it ahead of this week’s Texas Children’s Houston Open.

“It can be relatable,” said the four-time major champion, “but at the same time you want to try to set a proper example.

“Like, you don’t want ten-year-old kids punting their putters across the green every time they miss a putt. But at the same time it shows that we are human, it shows the human side to ourselves.

“At the same time, we have a responsibility to set an example, and golf is a lot about the etiquette of the game and doing right thing. There’s a balance to be struck there.”

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For his part, Kizzire issued an apology earlier this week for his extraordinary outburst at the Valspar.

“I wasn’t feeling well, and I certainly lost my cool,” said the three-time PGA Tour winner, who withdrew shortly after the incident.

“It wasn’t my putter’s fault; I just lost my cool and it’s unacceptable. I’m looking forward to being a better version of myself and I appreciate you guys understanding.”

• What’s behind the increase in tour pro tantrums? This week’s bunkered Podcast speculated on some of the reasons and debated whether or not players have a responsibility to be good role models? Listen for free here or search for “The bunkered Podcast” wherever you get your podcasts.

Michael McEwan is bunkered's Head of Content and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Head of Content