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Rory McIlroy: Limiting alcohol during PGA Tour would curb unruly fan behavior

With mounting incidents of unruly fan behavior at tournaments, golfer McIlroy suggests a potential solution.
Credit: Michael Reaves/Getty Images
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland plays his shot from the 15th tee during the second round of the Valspar Championship at Innisbrook Resort Copperhead Course on March 9, 2018 in Palm Harbor, Florida.

Add golfer Rory McIlroy to the list of pro golfers who are becoming more agitated by the behavior of unruly fans at PGA Tour events.

He boils it down to one factor: alcohol.

After shooting 67 at the Arnold Palmer Invitational on Saturday to move within two shots of the lead, McIlroy cited another instance of poor fan behavior he experienced during his round.

"There was one guy out there who kept yelling my wife's name," McIlroy told ESPN.com. "I was going to go over and have a chat with him. I don't know, I think it's gotten a little much, to be honest. I think that they need to limit alcohol sales on the course, or they need to do something because every week, it seems like guys are complaining about it more and more."

Credit: Michael Reaves/Getty Images
Fans reach to watch Tiger Woods (not pictured) putt on the 18th hole during the final round of the Valspar Championship at Innisbrook Resort Copperhead Course on March 11, 2018 in Palm Harbor, Florida.

Tiger Woods has to deal with large galleries on a regular basis, and McIlroy estimated last month the commotion that surrounds Woods on a regular basis costs him a half shot per round.

A spectator in his gallery on Friday had to be removed for constantly yelling.

"They are having a blast, and hopefully we can execute golf shots, but as long as they don't yell on our golf swings, everything's cool," Woods said.

And that's the fine line. The PGA Tour has encouraged rowdiness at some events -- in particular, the Phoenix Open in February, which traditionally attracts the largest crowds on tour.

"I know that people want to come and enjoy themselves, and I'm all for that," McIlroy said, "but it's when the comments get personal and people get a little bit rowdy it can get a little much."

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