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Tiger Woods had a solid weekend at the Arnold Palmer Invitational (a performance that inspired one fan to send his back surgeon an Edible Arrangement for helping the golfer return to form), but it was Rory McIlroy who ultimately prevailed at Bay Hill with a score of -18 when the tournament ended on Sunday. McIlroy managed to overcome the taunting of at least one unruly fan that made him question the tour’s policy concerning alcohol on the course, but that didn’t stop him from having organizers track down a bunch of vodka after he was presented with the trophy and signature red sweater given to the winner.
However, the Irishman wasn’t looking to belatedly celebrate St Patrick’s Day— his request was actually for a very good reason. McIlroy decided there was no better way to honor Palmer’s legacy than to lead a toast with the members of the media tasked with covering the tournament, which required multiple bottles of Ketel One.
Preparing Rory’s requested toast with the media to Arnie. pic.twitter.com/IfCDqWZSrN
— 1_15_41 🇺🇦 (@ScottMichaux) March 18, 2018
McIlroy was the first person to point out his apparent hypocrisy, but I think you’re allowed to have a drink (or seven) after pocketing $1.6 million for four days of work (and I’m sure everyone else was more than happy to have a legit excuse to drink on the job).
After his post-round press conference, Rory McIlroy offered a toast to Arnold Palmer. Also joked: "Was I not the one who said no liquor at golf tournaments?" pic.twitter.com/4tonXZVJFq
— Jason Sobel (@JasonSobelTAN) March 18, 2018
Based on personal experience, McIlroy missed out on a great opportunity to track down some cans of Arizona Half and Half and throw some vodka into them, but I guess toasting to Arnold Palmer’s legacy with a drink that’s been dubbed the “John Daly” kind of defeats the purpose.