Rory McIlroy spotted rolling a new putter in Austin

Rory McIlroy, fresh off a substandard showing at the Players Championship (+5 and failed to make the final cut), is testing a new putter. Clearly, McIlroy wasn't satisfied and wants to try changing his equipment to see if that will help.

According to reports, the world number three overall (who was number one earlier in the year) has been spotted using a Scotty Cameron Newport putter. He apparently used it to roll in a short birdie putt.

McIlroy's equipment is very important and while golfers can generally succeed with anything, good equipment is very helpful. The old adage is that it's the golfer, not the equipment, but McIlroy felt a change was in order regardless.

It remains to be seen whether or not it will make a difference. After his opening round at TPC Sawgrass, McIlroy admitted he was struggling with equipment (via Golf Monthly):

"I wish I could use my driver from last year. These driver heads are so finicky, it's hard to get one exactly the same. I mean, I'm obviously trying my best, trying to get something that's as close to what I had last year. Yeah, just struggled a little bit off the tee the last couple weeks."

He hasn't yet changed his driver, but he's obviously tinkering with his equipment setup as he moves forward. His next appearance will be at the WGC Match Play.

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Sergio Garcia won't take aim at Rory McIlroy

No one would blame or be shocked if an LIV Golf member went off at Rory McIlroy. The PGA Tour star has been extremely vocal in his opposition to the rebel tour and has also not been shy about naming names.

He routinely does not hesitate to name players like Patrick Reed or Phil Mickelson in his ire. If an LIV member returned fire, it would only be fair.

However, Sergio Garcia, one of the most prominent LIV golfers, won't return the favor. Showing up at the Gallery Golf Club recently, he resisted the urge to take a shot at McIlroy or anyone else.

Sergio Garcia spared Rory McIlroy

He said via Golf Week:

“Everybody has an opinion. Obviously everyone is going to talk. At the end of the day, we’re very happy where we are. We love the product. You just have to see what’s going on out here. So just go and ask them."

He continued:

“I’m happy about what’s happening on the PGA Tour because I have a lot of friends there and they deserve to get everything that they’re getting. And I’m happy for them.”

Garcia took the high road, whereas some of his LIV counterparts might not have. Garcia could be softening or could also just not care anymore. He's also playing pretty well right now, so he could just be in a good mood.

For whatever reason, it seems as if Rory McIlroy and company avoided his ire for now. The debate hasn't ended and will continue to rage, but Garcia is taking a break from it for now.