Rory McIlroy

At Bethpage, McIlroy and his wife Erica faced numerous insults; Erica was struck by a drink thrown by a spectator. McIlroy himself eventually responded with profanity to spectators shouting during his swing and subsequently condemned 'unacceptable and abusive' behaviour.

State of the evidence

Documented

Before the PGA Championship, testing found that McIlroy's driver no longer complied with limits on the trampoline effect, requiring him to use a replacement clubhead. The information, which was supposed to remain confidential, leaked, and he avoided the media during the tournament.

State of the evidence

Reported by the press

McIlroy was one of the most prominent critics of LIV Golf, the Saudi sovereign wealth fund-backed circuit, strongly criticising certain players who joined the league. In early 2024, he acknowledged that he had been too quick to judge them and accepted that LIV had become part of the landscape.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Direct responsibility

After playing a central role in the PGA Tour's response to LIV, McIlroy resigned from the Policy Board in November 2023, citing personal and professional commitments. In 2024, he considered returning but indicated that certain board members were uncomfortable with the prospect, reviving longstanding internal tensions.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Direct responsibility

McIlroy filed for divorce in Florida after seven years of marriage, stating that the marriage was irretrievably broken and seeking enforcement of the prenuptial agreement. One month later, the couple requested voluntary dismissal of the proceedings and announced that they wished to remain together.

Attribution

Personally implicated

In Rome, McIlroy became angry over celebrations by American caddie Joe LaCava on the 18th green while McIlroy had yet to putt. His anger continued in a verbal confrontation with Jim 'Bones' Mackay in the car park.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

McIlroy agreed to play a round of golf with Donald Trump shortly after he entered the White House, prompting a wave of criticism and allegations that he had normalised or endorsed the president.

State of the evidence

Documented

McIlroy withdrew from the Rio Games, citing the Zika virus risk and future pregnancies in his family. He subsequently stated that the Olympics were not the pinnacle of golf and that he would instead watch athletics, swimming and diving, 'the things that matter', prompting criticism from athletes and Olympic officials.

Attribution

Personally implicated

In 2012, McIlroy said he had always felt more British than Irish, triggering controversy in Northern Ireland over his forthcoming Olympic allegiance. In 2014, he ultimately announced that he would represent Ireland, as he had throughout his amateur career.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated