Matt Fitzpatrick in epic PGA Tour burn after watching Rory McIlroy lose his head
England's Matt Fitzpatrick had a message for the PGA Tour after watching Rory McIlroy's clubhead fly off his 8-iron in the first round of the BMW PGA.
Matt Fitzpatrick seemingly still isn't over not being able to replace his driver due to an apparent crack in the face after watching Rory McIlroy's clubhead fly off his 8-iron during the first round of the BMW PGA at Wentworth.
Fitzpatrick, 29, was left seething with a PGA Tour rules official after he was unable to replace his Titleist driver that he deemed to have a crack in the face during the final round of the BMW Championship last month.
Under the USGA’s Model Local Rule G-9, a club is not replaceable solely because of a crack.
Fitzpatrick was not permitted to replace his driver at the time due to a rules official deeming a "lack of significant damage".
The Englishman was fuming with the decision, and so was his playing partner and World No.1 Scottie Scheffler.
"It's an absolute disgrace," an irate Fitzpatrick told a PGA Tour official as he trudged down the 8th fairway.
Fast forward some four weeks, and Fitzpatrick clearly still isn't over the decision about not being able to replace his Titleist driver.
The European Ryder Cup star tweeted in response to seeing McIlroy's clubhead fly off his 8-iron on the par-5 12th in the first round of the BMW PGA:
'Not sure that’s significant enough damage to be replaced….@PGATour [crying laughter emoji].'
Despite McIlroy's clubhead flying off on the par-5 12th hole, the Ulsterman still sent his 178-yard second shot into seven feet behind the pin.
He would miss the eagle putt but would tap home for a birdie en route to a 5-under 67.
Fitzpatrick did not fare quite so well with an opening level-par 72.
Rory McIlroy: "I don't think that's ever happened to me before"
McIlroy is seeking a second BMW PGA having won his first title at Wentworth in 2014.
The Northern Irishman finds himself two shots off the early pace set by England's Matt Baldwin, who birdied the par-5 18th for a round of 7-under 65.
McIlroy is currently running away with the Race to Dubai as he goes in pursuit of emulating late great Seve Ballesteros' haul of six Harry Vardon trophies in November.
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