College golfer breaks silence after infuriating Rory McIlroy at TPC Sawgrass

A collegiate golfer who was ejected from TPC Sawgrass after heckling Rory McIlroy before the 2025 Players Championship has written a grovelling letter of apology to the PGA Tour commissioner, according to a report. 

McIlroy was reportedly goaded about his 2011 Masters collapse in Tuesday's practice round before the unofficial fifth men's major of the year at famed TPC Sawgrass. 

GOLF have now claimed that the person who rubbed McIlroy the wrong way was 20-year-old Luke Potter, who attends the University of Texas. 

The publication have claimed Potter has already written numerous letters of apology over the incident he described as 'a mistake'. 

His coach, John Fields, also told the publication that Potter will still face consequences, adding: "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."

He added: "How we handle [the incident] is extremely important, and suffice to say Luke's paying the consequences of that,. Going forward he’s going to be a better man. That's what I think."

Speaking to the Golf Channel, Potter said he took ownership for the mistake. 

"I apologise for it," he said. "That's about all that needs to be said. It's just a good learning experience. Yeah, I apologise."

McIlroy declined to comment when asked about what transpired after the first round. 

A reporter asked the Northern Irishman: "Can I ask you about the shenanigans with the kid on 17?"

"No you can't," came the reply. When asked why not, McIlroy said firmly: "Because I don't want you to."

Prodded further, McIlroy said bluntly: "I'm happy that I shot 67 today."

Remind yourself of the moment here: