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Rory McIlroy’s $1000 Uber decision that helped him scoop $4.5m Players Championship prize – and sets him up for Masters tilt
Rory McIlroy had an Uber driver to thank after scooping $4.5million by winning the Players Championship. The world number two claimed his second victory at TPC Sawgrass and a 28th on the PGA Tour on Monday. GettyMcIlroy scooped $4.5m thanks to a $1,000 Uber trip[/caption] GettyThe world number two beat JJ Spaun in a play-off at the Players Championship[/caption] After finishing the final round level with JJ Spaun on 12 under, the pair contested a three-hole play-off on St. Patrick’s Day. Northern Ireland’s McIlroy held his nerve to clinch the title after Spaun’s tee shot on the 17th found the water, leading to a triple bogey. However, the 35-year-old’s win only came after he paid over $1,000 for an Uber to deliver his old clubs. The driver brought the clubs from McIlroy’s home 150 miles away in Jupiter, Florida to the course in Ponte Vedra Beach. McIlroy forked out $675 (£520) for the trip before adding a tip worth $338 (£260). He had felt uncomfortable with his new clubs after previously revealing his unhappiness at the Arnold Palmer Invitational a week earlier. The four-time Major winner explained: “There isn’t a big difference. “Although the new ones do give me a few extra yards. But if it means hitting a seven iron into a green rather than an eight iron, I’ll deal with it. “I’ll take that if the club feels more natural. Sometimes it can be love at first sight with new equipment. Or it takes a bit of time to adjust.” The decision paid off as McIlroy went on to win $4.5million (£3.5m) by seeing off Spaun in their play-off. GettyMcIlroy had been unhappy with his new clubs so had his old set delivered to the course[/caption] GettyThe four-time Major winner clinched his 28th PGA Tour victory on Monday[/caption] talkSPORT host Ally McCoist believes it is the best money he has spent. “I would suggest it’s the best $995 he’s ever spent,” the Rangers legend said. “The Uber driver has probably said to him, if you ever need anything I’m there.” It is his second PGA Tour win of the year following victory at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am in February. McIlroy is also now a two-time winner at TPC Sawgrass, having also triumphed at the event in 2019. The win has given McIlroy confidence ahead of this year’s Majors as he bids to end his 11-year wait for a fifth victory. After defeating Spaun, he said: “I feel like I’m a better player now than I ever have been. “I feel like I can play all conditions and in anything that comes my way.” A win at next month’s Masters would be his first Major championship since the 2014 PGA Championship. McIlroy is set to stick with those old clubs for The Masters. Victory at Augusta would also allow McIlroy to complete the career Grand Slam, becoming the first player since Tiger Woods in 2000 to do so. The 2025 Masters is scheduled to take place from April 10 to 13 at Augusta National in Georgia.
Rory McIlroy had an Uber driver to thank after scooping $4.5million by winning the Players Championship.
The world number two claimed his second victory at TPC Sawgrass and a 28th on the PGA Tour on Monday.
After finishing the final round level with JJ Spaun on 12 under, the pair contested a three-hole play-off on St. Patrick’s Day.
Northern Ireland’s McIlroy held his nerve to clinch the title after Spaun’s tee shot on the 17th found the water, leading to a triple bogey.
However, the 35-year-old’s win only came after he paid over $1,000 for an Uber to deliver his old clubs.
The driver brought the clubs from McIlroy’s home 150 miles away in Jupiter, Florida to the course in Ponte Vedra Beach.
McIlroy forked out $675 (£520) for the trip before adding a tip worth $338 (£260).
He had felt uncomfortable with his new clubs after previously revealing his unhappiness at the Arnold Palmer Invitational a week earlier.
The four-time Major winner explained: “There isn’t a big difference.
“Although the new ones do give me a few extra yards. But if it means hitting a seven iron into a green rather than an eight iron, I’ll deal with it.
“I’ll take that if the club feels more natural. Sometimes it can be love at first sight with new equipment. Or it takes a bit of time to adjust.”
The decision paid off as McIlroy went on to win $4.5million (£3.5m) by seeing off Spaun in their play-off.
talkSPORT host Ally McCoist believes it is the best money he has spent.
“I would suggest it’s the best $995 he’s ever spent,” the Rangers legend said. “The Uber driver has probably said to him, if you ever need anything I’m there.”
It is his second PGA Tour win of the year following victory at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am in February.
McIlroy is also now a two-time winner at TPC Sawgrass, having also triumphed at the event in 2019.
The win has given McIlroy confidence ahead of this year’s Majors as he bids to end his 11-year wait for a fifth victory.
After defeating Spaun, he said: “I feel like I’m a better player now than I ever have been.
“I feel like I can play all conditions and in anything that comes my way.”
A win at next month’s Masters would be his first Major championship since the 2014 PGA Championship.
McIlroy is set to stick with those old clubs for The Masters.
Victory at Augusta would also allow McIlroy to complete the career Grand Slam, becoming the first player since Tiger Woods in 2000 to do so.
The 2025 Masters is scheduled to take place from April 10 to 13 at Augusta National in Georgia.
