A lot of people are talking about Rory McIlroy’s latest news from Doral during the WCG Cadillac Championship. On the 8th hole during his second shot which would just skim the right side of the pond to the left, he pulled his 222 yard shot to the green and came up short in the drink. His response? Not your normal run of the mill, “Awe shucks” walk-off we typically see. Instead, he so eloquently tossed the 3-iron into the drink as if to say, “This is worthless”. Now, being an avid average golfer who on a good day shoots in the low 90s, I can vouch for this type of reaction. Early on in my golf career, I had been known to toss clubs here and there. However, I never would conceive throwing one into the lake. I may have a roller coaster relationship with my clubs, but we eventually make up. Tossing it into a lake says one thing – “we’re done here”. As the world number 1, he definitely isn’t worried about the extra cost – nor the fines he’ll likely pay. He likely didn’t pay for the club anyway.
Though I can sympathize with him, there’s one major thing wrong with this reaction: He’s a major role model. For many young golfers, they’re looking up to him. In a sport that mid-last year saw staggering course closure rates (a golf course closure every other day), it is becoming near impossible to teach young golfers the discipline and respect that comes from the sport when they see top rated players act this way. It’s complete disregard for the sport, the ruling arm and the equipment. Again, we’ve all been there, but he is at a higher level and needs to learn to shelve this type of reaction. Do it for the kids man! Still though – nice swing!
(Video Courtesy of Skratch TV)
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