Rory McIlroy has admitted both Jordan Spieth and Viktor Hovland made him doubt himself over the controversial incident on the seventh hole, although he was "adamant" he was in the right.
The Northern Irishman was enjoying an incredible opening round at TPC Sawgrass having moved to eight-under par with just three holes remaining.
But his tee shot leaked left on the narrow seventh hole with the ball seen bouncing once before it disappeared into the body of water.
McIlroy and his caddie confidently dropped where they thought the ball had crossed, but Spieth and Hovland began to query whether the tee shot had bounced past the out-of-bounds line.
Rory McIlroy was 'adamant' he was right
SKYSPORTS
Spieth was seen gesturing with his arms as he made his way over from the other side of the fairway with Hovland also unsure about the legitimacy of the drop.
McIlroy remained confident throughout the 12-minute debate he had made the right choice with a rules official ultimately allowing the four-time major champion to play on.
He was asked about the whole ordeal after his round of 65 and whether he thought the scene was "needless".
"I think Jordan was just trying to make sure that I was doing the right thing," he replied.
"I mean, I was pretty sure that my ball had crossed where I was sort of dropping it.
"It's so hard, right, because there was no TV evidence. I was adamant.
"But I think, again, he was just trying to make sure that I was going to do the right thing.
"If anything, I was being conservative with it.
"I think at the end of the day we're all trying to protect ourselves, protect the field, as well.
Rory McIlroy ended up playing from his original drop
SKYSPORTS
"I wouldn't say it was needless. I think he was just trying to make sure that what happened was the right thing."
He added: "I mean, I guess I started to doubt myself a little bit.
"I was like, 'okay, did I actually see what I thought I saw'.
Rory McIlroy ended up with a double bogey on the seventh hole
SKYSPORTS
"But I mean, as long as... I was comfortable, and I was just making sure that Jordan and Viktor were comfortable, too."
Neither Hovland or Spieth spoke to the media after the round, but McIlroy was confident they were happy with the outcome.
McIlroy added: "I think so, yeah. I'm comfortable. I think that's the most important thing."
