Matt Fitzpatrick still can't seem to accept that he can't change his clubs due to a visible crack in his face Rory McIlroyClub Head The 8-iron flew out during the opening round of the BMW PGA at Wentworth.
During the final of last month's BMW Championship, Fitzpatrick, 29, became furious with PGA Tour officials after he decided his Titleist driver had a crack in the clubface that could not be replaced.
According to the United States Golf Association (USGA) Model Local Rule G-9, a club cannot be replaced simply because it has a crack.
Fitzpatrick was not allowed to change his driver at the time as rules officials deemed there was “no significant damage”.
The British player was furious about the decision, as was his partner, world number one Scottie Scheffler.
“It's an absolute disgrace,” an angry Fitzpatrick told PGA Tour officials as he trudged down the 8th fairway.
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Rory McIlroy
Fast forward four weeks, and it’s clear Fitzpatrick still hasn’t gotten over the decision to switch to his Titleist driver.
The European Ryder Cup star responded on Twitter after watching McIlroy's club head fly off his 8-iron on the par-5 12th hole during his opening round at the BMW PGA Championship:
“Not sure if the damage is bad enough to need replacement… @PGATour [crying laughter emoji]'.
Although McIlroy's club head flew out on the par-5 12th, the Ulster man still hit his 178-yard second shot to seven feet behind the pin.
He missed his eagle putt but eventually made birdie for a 5-under 67.
Fitzpatrick didn’t fare so well, opening with an even-par 72.
Rory McIlroy: “I don’t think I’ve ever experienced anything like this before.”
McIlroy won his first title at Wentworth in 2014 and is seeking his second BMW PGA Championship.
The Northern Irishman finished two shots behind early leader Matt Baldwin of England, who birdied the par-5 18th to end his round at 7-under 65.
McIlroy is currently leading the Race to Dubai as he aims to match the late great Seve Ballesteros's tally of six Harry Vardon Trophies in November.
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