Tour Pro Problems

Rory McIlroy has a simple reason why he's not wearing a hat at the Olympics (and probably won't at the Ryder Cup)

July 29, 2021
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Stephen McCarthy

In recent years, NBA fans have gotten used to hearing about "Hoodie Melo"—Carmelo Anthony playing pick-up games wearing a hoodie—in recent years. This week, golf fans are getting a kick out of watching "Hatless Rory."

But unlike Hoodie Melo, Hatless Rory isn't some kind of alter-personality or vibe. In fact, Rory McIlroy has a simple reason why he's not wearing a hat at the Olympics.

“My head is so small that I have to get Nike to make me custom hats," McIlroy told PGATour's Sean Martin. "So whenever I’m in a team event and the hats aren’t custom, they’re all too big.”

We applaud Rory for being so open about this problem. There are many golfers out there who can relate and who will feel better about themselves because of McIlroy's bravery. Unfortunately, those small-headed golfers don't have Nike making custom hats for them most weeks. It's also brave to go out in public with this haircut:

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Stephen McCarthy

At least he didn't shave "IRL" into the side of his head. Still, Nike couldn't make a custom Olympics hat for McIlroy? They only had four five years to plan. It must be a rights issue.

Same thing for the Ryder Cup, where McIlroy never dons a cap. Still, the apparel company outfitting Team Europe can't make a custom one for the squad's star player? The guy is a four-time major champ for crying out loud!

In any event, Hatless Rory shot a two-under-par 69 at Kasumigaseki Country Club, where Sepp Straka leads after an opening 63. But watch out, Sepp, because as they say on the mean streets of Golf Twitter, "Rory comin'!" Hatless Rory, that is.