A “surprised” Rory McIlroy said “everything was OK” after a spectator was ejected from the Scottish Open for grabbing a club from his bag.
The incident took place on Friday at the 10th tee as the Northern Irishman prepared to start his second round at The Renaissance Club in North Berwick.
Four-time major winner McIlroy was playing with world number one Jon Rahm and American Justin Thomas.
Another spectator posted a video of the man being taken away.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said a 35-year-old had been taken to hospital in Edinburgh and that “enquiries are ongoing”.
Social media footage showed the man walk unchallenged on to the tee, remove the distinctive dog headcover from McIlroy’s driver and then take an iron for a couple of practice swings.
McIlroy, in danger of missing the cut after rounds of 70 and 71, was reluctant to discuss the matter, but did say: “I was surprised. Everyone saw what happened on TV.
“It was handled efficiently and everything was OK. I had no idea who it was.”
Spaniard Rahm said the interloper smelled of alcohol, adding: “I don’t think any of us understood what was going on.
“He came in so confident and we thought he was going to take a picture or something. We thought he was maybe part of the camera crew or a photographer.
“After a little bit, when he walked back and they were taking him out you could smell the reason why it happened. Me and Rory didn’t say anything. He was holding a six iron and I didn’t want to get hurt.
“It didn’t put anyone off. If anything it put a smile on our faces. It will be a pretty good story to tell in the future.”
The tournament is the first since the ease in restrictions allowed spectators to attend a golf event in Scotland, with around 4,000 on the course each day.
