Watch it, Rory! Nike pal Woods warns McIlroy to think before he acts after world No 1 comes under fire for Honda walk-out

PUBLISHED: 12:28 EST, 2 March 2013 | UPDATED: 16:20 EST, 2 March 2013

Rory McIlroy's already grim week took a turn for the worse yesterday when Tiger Woods offered the troubled young Ulsterman advice on how to handle the media.

McIlroy's decision to quit midway through the second round of the Honda Classic caused consternation among his fellow professionals and tournament organisers.

I quit: Rory McIlroy shook hands with Ernie Els before walking off the course at the Honda Classic

McIlroy has 13 days to submit an explanation in writing to PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem.

He told reporters he had walked off because he was 'not in a great place mentally' before telling his 1.5million Twitter followers the real reason was an agonising wisdom tooth.

What's wrong with Rory?

Read Derek Lawrenson's report on McIlroy's shock withdrawl from the Honda Classic

That claim was soon called into question when pictures emerged of McIlroy tucking into a sandwich during his abbreviated round, which saw him retire seven-overpar after eight holes on Friday.

Whatever his reason, McIlroy, who recently signed a deal worth more than £100million with kit manufacturers Nike, has some explaining to do.

Eye on the ball: Tiger Woods was in action again today during the third round at the Honda Classic

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Now 14-time major winner Woods, himself no stranger to controversy after a US tabloid exposed him as a serial adulterer three years ago, says the youngster must chose his words more carefully in future.

'He's just got to be more... just got to think about it a little bit more before you say something or do something,' said the former world No 1.

Can't handle the tooth? McIlroy blamed dental pain for his withdrawl but was seen eating a sandwich

Slump: McIlroy reacts after hitting a poor shot on the 18th hole on Friday - he walked off soon after

So, why did this picture of Tiger land Serena in hot water?

Click here to find out why tennis superstar Serena Williams found herself in trouble at the Honda Classic...

'It can get out of hand, especially when you get into social media and start tweeting and all those different things that can go wrong.

'I've been through it for a long time,' added Woods. 'But also this is a slightly different era, as well. It's even faster than what it was when I came out.

'Things are instantaneous around the world. We were still in fax machines, things were a little bit slower.'

McIlroy could be suspended from the tour, although PGA bosses will not want to lose one of the world's highest-profile players.

But with rules banning players from walking out of tournaments without good reason, a fine seems inevitable unless McIlroy can prove his wisdom tooth claim was legitimate.

His form has been woeful recently and he missed the cut at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship in January before crashing out in the first round of the WGC Match Play.

But compatriot Graeme McDowell insists his friend will bounce back from his 'mini crisis'.

'I'm sure he knows what he needs to do,' McDowell said.

'Only he knows where he's at in his own mind. We all experience moments like this in our career.

'This is only a mini-crisis.He's missed two cuts, big deal.'

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Ulsterman /what the hell does that mean! Got to laugh!

- Teabag LA , Los Angeles, 03/3/2013 22:44

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tell Nike 'Thanks, but no thanks'! Get you Titelist sticks back and start winning again. You are not the extrovert type like Tiger and Lebron James, it doesn't suit you Rory.

- Al Betteridge , Southampton, United Kingdom, 03/3/2013 14:46

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dessertfpxx, sheffield ---Agree with what your saying except on the management part. Horizon are much smaller than his old management ISM. Before Rory's move the 2 biggest names on the books were McDowell and Lowry, whereas ISM has a much bigger portfolio. It's Rory's timing that's always so wrong and the way he blurts things out. He should have waited until the end of the season to switch mangement. And breaking up with his ex wouldn't have looked so bad if he had waited a few months before dating Caroline. I doubt Rory has a therapist but he seriously needs one. He has always known he could be the best and never let anything stop him. Though now he is on the verge of being the best he is the one stopping himself. I think he believe his own media hype but he is nowhere near Tigers achievements. He needs to play more competitive rounds with the new clubs. Has only played 4 1/2 rounds since last year due to missed cuts and WD. I hope he doesn't become another David Duval.

- gigi , Dublin, Ireland, 03/3/2013 13:15

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Can see a bit of George Best creeping in to his personality......God help him!

- Peter , Watford, United Kingdom, 03/3/2013 11:36

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You give someone 100m then say go and perform. I would think that would affect anybody

- dan , mildenhall uk, 03/3/2013 10:30

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Never mind Caroline whats her name. She's not doing well at all either. Where is Holly Sweeney when you need her, eh?

- Nel , Edinburgh, 03/3/2013 10:02

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I yearn for the halcyon days of true gents and sportsmen like Palmer and Nicklaus

- kev , Wath Upon Dearne, 03/3/2013 09:47

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Too much money too young and should concentrate on his golf and sponsors not that tennis player. Get sorted kids

- crosse m , Vilamoura, Portugal, 03/3/2013 09:07

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This kid needs to grow up and quick . It doesn't matter if he had the runs . It's no excuse

- robson and jerome , childwall Liverpool, 03/3/2013 08:49

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its nothing to do with the media he loves it and all the show,its that women he is with ,he cannot handle her and she has him knackered.lets say drained lol.but he wants to live the highlife and cant handle it.gone off this boy completly ,have you heard him trying to put on american accent and he is only there 6 months ,,idiot.

- ernie , belfast, Netherlands, 03/3/2013 08:15

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