RORY MCILROY had some choice words for a spectator after they tried to help him out with his short game.
The four-time Major winner carded an even-par final round at the Genesis Open on Sunday to finish joint-17th at Torrey Pines.
GettyRory McIlroy fell out of contention at the Genesis Open after a disappointing weekend[/caption]
GettyThe 35-year-old reportedly hit out at a fan’s criticism of his putting game[/caption]
GettyMcIlroy has previously defended his caddie Harry Diamond (left) from fan criticism[/caption]
McIlroy, 35, cut a frustrated figure after falling out of contention over the weekend.
He had gone into Saturday’s Round 3 just three shots behind then-leader Davis Thompson.
The Northern Irishman failed to mount a challenge, eventually finishing 12 shots back behind winner Ludvig Aberg.
McIlroy’s putting game abandoned him on Day 4 in Los Angeles.
And one fan thought they would offer some advice from the gallery.
McIlroy rolled a ten-footer wide of the mark on the 3rd green, missing out on birdie.
According to golf insider Dan Rapaport, the fan shouted to McIlroy: “Blame your caddie.”
McIlroy immediately fired back: “Shut the f*** up.”
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Without a major win since 2014, McIlroy linked up with current caddie Harry Diamond eight years ago.
He has won multiple titles on the PGA Tour alongside Diamond, but is yet to claim that illusive major as a pairing.
McIlroy has previously defended his friend and “easy target” Diamond from fan criticism.
He told the BBC in 2022: “I wouldn’t have him on the bag if I didn’t think he was good at what he did.
“He’s grown into his role really well. I think our record speaks for itself. We’ve won a ton.
“Harry’s a really calming presence to have by my side.
“I love having him on the bag. I’m a different person. And I’m never going to give him s*** even if something goes wrong. It would not be worth it.”
Inside Rory McIlroy’s whirlwind love life
RORY MCILROY enjoyed a high-profile romance with former tennis world number one Caroline Wozniacki before their split in 2014.
The following year, the golf ace began dating Erica Stoll, who he had first met on the PGA Tour in 2011.
Erica often interacted with players through her role as the PGA’s manager of championship volunteer operations.
She even prevented McIlroy from missing his tee time at the 2012 Ryder Cup after some confusion over the time zone.
The incident began a firm friendship between the pair, four years before their relationship turned romantic.
McIlroy and Erica were spotted on a string of dates in Rochester, New York, in the early days of their relationship.
Just eight months later, the couple got engaged in Paris and walked down the aisle at Ashford Castle in Ireland in 2017.
The pair then welcomed daughter Poppy into the world three years later.
Throughout their time together, McIlroy and Erica have kept their relationship to themselves, with the golfer keen to protect his family from the cameras during filming of Netflix’s Full Swing documentary series.
However, after seven years of marriage, McIlroy filed for divorce from Erica.
The reasons for the divorce were not disclosed, but the Northern Irishman submitted documents to a court in Florida.
However, a few weeks later, performed a U-turn on their decision to divorce.
McIlroy told the outlet: “Thankfully, we have resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning.”
Aberg’s triumph in Los Angeles was the most lucrative of his short career.
The 25-year-old Swede scooped $4million (£3.1m) for winning at Torrey Pines.
He pipped Maverick McNealy to the title after holing four birdies in his final six holes.
A beaming Aberg said: “It felt like I was in control of the ball flight all day and really proud of the way that I finished, it was really cool.
“It was so much fun coming down the last few holes trying to win a tournament, it is a really special feeling.”
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