GOLF legend Nick Faldo has questioned Rory McIlroy’s decision to wear AirPods for an on-course commentary during his first round at The Masters.
The Northern Irishman, 33, headed to Augusta as one of the favourites as he looked to go one step further than his runner-up finish last year.
But he did not get off to the perfect start as he finished his first round with a par score.
Yet despite his struggles, McIlroy agreed to conduct an interview after a wayward shot on the ninth.
It was an unprecedented move as he wore AirPods to interact with the broadcasters while out on the course – something American Max Homa also agreed to do.
Speaking about what had gone wrong on the hole, McIlroy said: “Yeah I just eased off on it a little bit.
“I think just in the back of my mind – obviously you don’t want to go long on this pin.
“So, yeah I just eased off of it – probably pitched it five or six yards shorter than I wanted to. So I at least got that putt up the hill, hopefully have a decent look at it.
“If I don’t hole it, then get it around the hole, you know start the back nine afresh.”
Some golf fans praised the three-time Major winner for giving viewers an extensive insight.
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But Faldo, 65, who won The Masters three times between 1989 and 1996, was not on board with McIlroy’s unorthodox move.
Speaking on Twitter, Faldo, who retired from golf last year, said: “I was quite shocked that Rory and Max put those AirPod things in and did a running commentary.
“This is The Masters and we’ve been talking so much about how Rory said he was physically and technically in the right place – all it was was mental.
“I bet Bob Rotella [McIlroy’s sports psychologist] didn’t say ‘Oh tell the world what you’re doing’. I don’t honestly get that.
“This golf course, this tournament, is the most wonderful one because it’s just you and your caddie inside the ropes – there’s no still photographers allowed in – so you just do your own thing.
“And I would have thought for Rory to get off to a better start than he did just do your own thing, get in your own little world and don’t tell anybody what you’re doing. Keep it a secret.”
