Now Rory McIlroy just needs to tune out the noise 

McIlroy’s phone-grab reaction only opens the door for more heckling even when he remains one of the most popular players in golf. Once people know something bothers you, they tend to keep using the needle.

During the last two holes of the final round at the Players Championship, security removed offenders who had heckled Rory McIlroy. Pic: AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson

With his clubs and skills, Rory McIlroy has opened up a new level of hope and expectation as the Masters approaches. With one small moment of irritation, he also opened up a can of worms.

McIlroy mostly bedazzled the galleries that flocked to TPC Sawgrass last week with his artistry and his way of playing the game that is second to none. He was the clear fan favorite every step he made. The support for him to push over the line and win the biggest event in golf outside the majors was palpable.