Rory McIlroy smashes 3-wood at British Open (Video)

Sometimes, golf just doesn’t go your way.

Golf is arguably one of the most frustrating sports in history. Just one off shot and your whole 3-hour or more game can go down the toilet. Golf is also considered one of the “gentlemen’s sports”, one where showing emotion and frustration is frowned upon.

At the British Open today, Rory McIlroy sliced a shot a little to the right, and in a show of frustration, smashed his 3-wood on the ground.

Rory McIlroy has never been shy about his emotions. He famously called the Ryder Cup an “exhibition at the end of the day”. He threw a club into the water last year at the WGC-Cadillac Championship.

Regardless, Rory McIlroy has been viewed as one of the best young prospects in golf for some time. He’s been the PGA Player of the Year twice in addition to an assortment of other awards from the PGA and the BBC.

McIlroy smashing his club is likely not okay, but it’s nice to see a little humanity in a sport that can be so robotic. He’s struggled so far at the British Open, and while this is definitely a bit of an overreaction, it’s nothing to lose your minds or write home about. McIlroy could have handled this better, but the display of actual emotion gives us a connection to an athlete that is ultimately human. Expressing emotion is the most human thing to do. Express yourself, Rory, but try not to smash your own clubs while you’re at it, okay?

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