Rory McIlroy was involved in a bizarre incident during the third round of the BMW Championship - and it's safe to say he wasn't impressed.
Attempting to wrestle himself back into contention after a poor start on Saturday, the Northern Irishman was greeted by the unusual sight of a fan-controlled remote-control ball moving around the 15th green at Wilmington Country Club.
He and playing partner Scott Stallings looked on in bewilderment at first, before the four-time Major champion took matters into his own hands, knocking the fan's ball with his putter a couple of times and then launching it into a nearby pond.
Watch how it all played out below:
Video of fan trying to show Rory a remote control ball. Rory wasn’t having it. pic.twitter.com/NUKnN5FL97August 20, 2022
The fan was quickly ushered away from the green, with McIlroy's reaction receiving a mixed response from the crowd in attendance. However, it was commended by Stallings, who said: "I thought it was great. I was about to go and do the same thing."
He added: "That wasn’t exactly something I expected to see on a Saturday afternoon. He kept yelling at Rory, 'This is my dream, this is my dream.' I don’t know exactly what he was dreaming about, but his ball is gone."
The players' caddies stepped in to get the fan escorted off property
Having birdied two of his previous three holes to get back to level par for the day, McIlroy missed the chance to pick up another shot after the melee but went on to birdie the 16th and 17th before a closing bogey had him round in one-under 70.
The 33-year-old sits five back of Patrick Cantlay as he attempts to put himself in position to clinch a third FedEx Cup victory and pocket the largest first prize in PGA Tour history. As it stands, he's projected to move up two spots into seventh ahead of next week's $18 million shootout.
-
Tommy Fleetwood Performs Caddie Duties As Stepson Makes Solid Start On Challenge Tour DebutTommy Fleetwood put on the caddie bib to support stepson Oscar Craig in his Challenge Tour debut - where he got off to a fine start in Abu Dhabi
-
Gareth Bale Joins Forces With Steph Curry To Become Ambassador For New European Junior Golf TourGareth Bale has joined Steph Curry's 'Underrated Golf' as an ambassador in time for their innagurual European event
-
'An Olympic Medal Would Be Like A Dream' - Lowry And McIlroy Target Success In ParisRory McIlroy and Shane Lowry are ready to get back into the Olympic spirit later this year as they look to win a medal at the Paris 2024 golf tournament
-
‘I Think I Can Be Helpful’ – Rory McIlroy Opens Up On Potential Return To PGA Tour Policy BoardThe four-time Major winner resigned from the board six months ago, but with the game still fractured, he could be about to return
-
Zurich Classic Of New Orleans Tee Times - Rounds One And TwoRory McIlroy plays alongside Shane Lowry in the team event, while a host of other big names are in the field too
-
'I Would Welcome It Wholeheartedly' - New DP World Tour Chief 'Delighted' To See Prospective Return Of Rory McIlroy To PGA Tour BoardDP World Tour CEO Guy Kinnings is looking forward to seeing European representation on the PGA Tour board once again as McIlroy returns to a role he left only late last year
-
Zurich Classic Of New Orleans Prize Money Payout 2024Nick Hardy and Davis Riley defend their title at the team event as Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry also play
-
Rory McIlroy Set To Make Shock Return To PGA Tour Policy Board - ReportThe World No.2 could be returning to the PGA Tour policy board as a player director once again after stepping down from the role last November
-
The Zurich Classic Of New Orleans Has A Unique Team Format - Here's How It WorksThe Zurich Classic of New Orleans has a unique format, but how does the PGA Tour’s only team event work?
-
'Determined' Rory McIlroy Enjoying The Challenge Of Finding His Best Form AgainDespite another Masters disappointment, Rory McIlroy says he's enjoying the challenge of trying to find his best form again
