A PGA Championship volunteer went to extraordinary lengths to secure a prized souvenir from Rory McIlroy's disappointing final round at Quail Hollow on Sunday.
The Masters champion struggled throughout the tournament, and when his tee shot on the par-four 14th veered left into a water hazard, it presented an unexpected opportunity for one quick-thinking volunteer.
In a moment captured on video, it shows the man seizing his chance to retrieve the Northern Irishman's ball from the water when he thought no one was watching.
The volunteer's determination to secure this memento demonstrated the lengths some fans will go to obtain a personal keepsake from golf's elite players.The footage reveals the volunteer crouching down on all fours and turning towards the water when he believed no one was looking.
A PGA Championship volunteer went to extraordinary lengths to secure a prized souvenir from Rory McIlroy's disappointing final round at Quail Hollow on Sunday
ESPN
Spotting McIlroy's ball near the surface, he quickly plunged his arm into the water, reaching so far that his torso was almost submerged.
After successfully retrieving the ball, the volunteer promptly dried it off in the grass.
He then discreetly slipped the souvenir into his trouser pocket before casually walking along the edge of the green, acting as though nothing unusual had occurred.
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A PGA Championship fan was seen submerging himself in water in order to retrieve a ball from Rory McIlroy
ESPN
The opportunistic moment came during McIlroy's challenging final round, with the ball representing a tangible reminder of the champion's rare off-day.
McIlroy's performance at the PGA Championship came as a significant surprise to many observers.
The four-time winner at Quail Hollow posted a one-over round on Sunday, finishing the tournament at three-over par.
His struggles throughout the week were particularly unexpected given his previous success at this course and his impressive form earlier in the season.
The errant tee shot on the 14th hole that landed in the water hazard epitomised the difficulties McIlroy faced throughout the tournament.
What made his disappointing showing even more perplexing was that it followed his recent Masters victory and came at a venue where he has historically excelled.
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McIlroy's struggles at Quail Hollow may be attributed to a last-minute equipment change.
According to Sirius XM PGA Tour Radio, his driver was deemed nonconforming on the eve of the tournament, forcing him to switch clubs.
Kerry Haigh, chief championships officer for the PGA of America, confirmed that the USGA had been asked to test drivers at the championship.
Rory McIlroy struggled at this year's PGA Championship
REUTERS
Approximately 50 players had their drivers examined as part of what was described as a normal procedure to protect players who might be unaware of clubs exceeding limits.
McIlroy has not spoken to the media since the tournament began, leaving questions about how significantly the equipment change affected his performance.
