World No. 1 Rory McIlroy has apologised for unknowingly leaving spike marks on the greens during his second round of the Barclays Singapore Open.
There had been an incident involving McIlroy early into his rain-affected round on Friday when a referee enquired of McIlroy and two playing partners who were wearing metal spikes.
Rory McIlroy on route to a second straight 70 in the Barclays Singapore Open. (Photo – Jenny Matthews/www.golffile.ie)
At least two of McIlroy’s rivals playing in the groups behind had complained of spike marks with Dane Anders Hansen finding a spike mark on his line of putt on the 12thgreen and Germany’s Marcel Siem a noticeable spike mark on the 18th.
McIlroy accepted responsibility and commented: “The greens were spiking up a bit and the official just asked us, purely out of courtesy to other players behind, if we could tap down any spike marks we saw.
“Really, I didn’t know I was leaving any spike marks out there.”
Tournament Director, Jose Zamora confirmed the incident and remarking: “It is a matter of courtesy to other players that spike marks should be tapped back before a group leave the greens.
“They (McIlroy, Louis Oosthuizen and Thaworn Wiratchant) were asked to check that they were not leaving behind any spike marks when they had finished playing a hole.”
McIlroy, who eventually ended his second round early morning Saturday to move to two under par in the $6m event, revealed he attended a local Singapore doctor following his first round to combat the effects of either a virus or head cold.
“I went to see a doctor after play Thursday so he’s got me on some medicine,” said McIlroy.
“I’m not sounding that good and I was really struggling on day one, and I’m still really blocked up by my energy levels are okay and I’m feeling a lot better.”
McIlroy returned to the course for a second day running at 7.30am to birdie his 13th before then parring his closing five holes in a score of second straight one under par 70.
South African George Coetzee birdied five holes in succession in a blistering 63 to move into the clubhouse lead on seven under par before England’s Chris Wood, and winner of this year’s Asian Tour Thailand Open, birdied four of his closing five holes in a round of 65 to tie Coetzee.
However the duo will have to wait till later this afternoon when the second half of the draw, including official first round leader Chapchai Nirat end their rounds.
