Rory McIlroy snaps at fan and snatches his phone as eyewitness reveals what was said to make golf star furious

Golfer Rory McIlroy appeared to snap at a fan in a video which went viral on Wednesday - with an eyewitness recalling what prompted the actions.

McIlroy was in action at the Players Championship but was involved in an unusual incident following a tee shot which ended up in the water in the practice round with Shane Lowry.

In footage shared online and accruing one million views, McIlroy was seen going over to a fan nearby and asking him "Can I see your phone?".

When the fan obliged, McIlroy proceeded to take the device and messed with it, before walking away.

The fan, who was with a friend, looked incredibly confused and awkward as he had his hand outstretched.

As per the Daily Express, citing an eyewitness, McIlroy's reaction was a response to heckler, who shouted "Just like 2011 at Augusta" after a tee shot attempt went wrong.

The comment was referring to McIlroy surrendering a huge lead the Masters in his most infamous collapse back in 2011.

He had a four-stroke advantage going into the final round but shot an 80 to finish joint 15th, ten strikes behind winner Charl Schwartzel - who enjoyed his first major triumph and was presented with the iconic green jacket.

There is no word on whether McIlroy returned the phone to the fan in question and he is yet to comment on the incident at the time of writing.

He will play the opening two rounds at Sawgrass with World No.1 and reigning champion Scottie Scheffler, as well as Xander Schauffele.

McIlroy comments on current form

The Northern Irishman was victorious in the Pebble Beach Pro-Am in February and is hopeful of continuing a strong start to 2025.

Asked about his current game, McIlroy said: "It feels good. I'd say even the two finishes post-Pebble [Genesis and Arnold Palmer] have been almost like the worst that they could be. I finished bad on Sunday at Bay Hill. I finished bad on Sunday at Torrey Pines, as well.

"But the one thing I would say is the turnaround in my putting from Torrey to Bay Hill was great. I finished, I think, fifth [actually seventh] in putting last week, so to see that turn around was really encouraging. That's something for me to be really encouraged about going into this week, obviously, and then the next few months."