For days, speculation has surrounded the relationship between golf stars Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy. It began with their differing opinions on whether the Public Investment Fund (PIF) should partner with the PGA Tour, followed by a heated on-course moment during the first round of The Players Championship.
The tension appeared to peak when Spieth and Viktor Hovland spent nearly eight minutes discussing where McIlroy should take a ball drop on the seventh hole. McIlroy’s subsequent double bogey only fueled rumors that the two had fallen out. But Spieth has now spoken up to set the record straight — and it turns out, the “feud” never existed.
### “There’s No Bad Blood,” Spieth Clarifies
After missing the cut in the second round, Spieth addressed the situation directly. He explained that he simply walked over to ensure everything was in order and that McIlroy’s ball was being dropped correctly.
“I thought it ended up in a good spot,” Spieth said. “I only walked over because I thought he had dropped it already, and then he was questioning the drop. So I was just trying to make sure everyone was good.”
Spieth went on to reveal that similar rule discussions happen often during play — “a dozen times,” as he put it. He wasn’t planning to get involved, but when it seemed like McIlroy and Hovland were at an impasse, he stepped in to help move things along.
### Clearing the Air and Looking Ahead
While Viktor Hovland has yet to comment on the situation, Spieth’s statement leaves little doubt that there’s no animosity between him and McIlroy. The American golfer also took the opportunity to address another hot topic — the potential meeting between PGA Tour player directors and PIF representatives regarding the ongoing merger talks.
Spieth confirmed that such a meeting might take place soon. “We’re being encouraged to potentially meet with them,” he said, though he couldn’t confirm whether figures like Tiger Woods or Yasir Al-Rumayyan would attend.
For now, golf fans can rest assured: the so-called “DropGate” drama has been settled, and Spieth and McIlroy remain on good terms — both focused on the future of the game, not feuds.
