Rory McIlroy was once kicked out of a bar at The Players Championship (Image: Orlando Ramirez, Getty Images)
The action at TPC Sawgrass is approaching its thrilling conclusion as we enter the third day of competition. A whopping $4.5million (£3.35m) in prize money is on offer for the winner of the 2026 Players Championship, with a total purse of $25m (£18.59m) up for grabs.
As its flagship event, The Players has always been a highlight on the PGA Tour, boasting the biggest prize fund of any non-major competition. Last year, Rory McIlroy claimed a remarkable victory to set him on his way for perhaps his best season since turning professional. The Northern Irishman claimed his second Players title in a three-hole aggregate playoff against J.J. Spaun after both finished at 12-under-par 276. Now, Express Sport looks back at some of the most controversial incidents in recent Players Championship history, from McIlroy’s notorious fake ID incident to Wyndham Clark being disqualified.
Rory McIlroy’s fake ID
McIlroy’s debut at The Players at just 20 years old was far from ideal, failing to make the cut after rounds of 74 and 77. But his struggles weren’t just limited to on the course.
Recalling his first experience at the tournament, McIlroy in 2024 revealed the extra obstacles he encountered off the green after his early exit 15 years prior, including being thrown out of local bars for using a fake ID.
“The first year I played here, the week before, I was in Vegas for a fight and then probably didn’t prepare the best way possible,” the 36-year-old admitted. “I missed the cut and ended up getting kicked out of bars in Jax beach for having a fake ID. I’ve come a long way!”
A young McIlroy flopped in Florida (Image: PA)Drop controversy
McIlroy found himself embroiled in controversy at TPC Sawgrass, not just because of the notorious fake ID incident, as his actions came under scrutiny from Jordan Spieth and Viktor Hovland during the 2024 edition of the tournament.
After his 10th-hole tee shot took an unfortunate dip, McIlroy chose a drop spot some 290 yards beyond, raising eyebrows among his playing partners. The more contentious drop took place at No. 7, sparking scepticism from both Spieth and Hovland about whether the ball had indeed landed before the red line before its watery undertaking.
While Hovland and Spieth avoided making comments to the press, McIlroy came forward to explain and was adamant about his decision. He said: “I’m comfortable. I think that’s the most important thing. I think Jordan was just trying to make sure that I was doing the right thing. I mean, I was pretty sure that my ball had crossed where I was sort of dropping it. I was adamant.
“If anything, I was being conservative with it. I think at the end of the day, we’re all trying to protect ourselves, protect the field, as well. I wouldn’t say it was needless. I think he was just trying to make sure that what happened was the right thing.”
Rory McIlroy has clashed with Jordan Spieth before at TPC Sawgrass (Image: Getty)Rickie Fowler’s outburst
However, the controversy wasn’t limited to McIlroy, with Rickie Fowler becoming entangled with spectators. The American found himself under scrutiny during the 2024 Players Championship when he had a clash with a fan while teeing off on the 16th hole.
His caddie, Ricky Romano, was heard asking the crowd to silence their phones as Fowler prepared for his tee shot.
Despite hitting an impressive 285-yard drive, Fowler appeared angry after the shot and was seen pointing at a spectator beyond the ropes, shouting: “You! What are you doing”, before completing his swing.
Fowler was upset with a fan (Image: PGA Tour)Wyndham Clark disqualified
In an incident from five years prior, another American professional in Wyndham Clark had a disappointing tournament. The 2019 Players Championship took place during Clark’s rookie season and hopes were high for his performance in Ponte Vedra Beach.
However, after a poor first-round score of 80, his tournament quickly unravelled. To worsen matters, Clark was disqualified after the opening round for signing an incorrect scorecard.
He had recorded a four at the par-4 fourth hole when he had actually bogeyed it. This was one Players Championship that Clark would undoubtedly rather erase from memory.
Lowry took his anger out on a tree (Image: Sky Sports)Shane Lowry smashes club
Irish golfer Shane Lowry has also endured a tough day at TPC Sawgrass in the past. In 2023, Lowry, who won The Open Championship in 2019, struggled with a five-over-par 77 on the Thursday.
On the 15th, Lowry opted for a risky path from the trees which failed to come off. Following this setback, he vented his anger by swearing and breaking his club across his knee after striking it against a tree.
Lowry’s double-bogey on the hole saw him complete the round tied in a dismal 127th place. Nevertheless, he succeeded in making the cut and ended the tournament tied for 35th spot with a score of -4.