[PHOTO: Andrew Redington]
After his third-round 74 at Oakmont Country Club, Rory McIlroy spoke with the media. Given the fact he had skipped this endeavour after each of his past six major rounds, it was a bit of a surprise.
What was not a surprise was that McIlroy was his usual, transparent self. He called his US Open so far “pretty average” (McIlroy is 10-over, tied for 49th). He said he was hoping to play better, he just didn’t. He admitted, yet again, that he just feels a little flat on the golf course since winning the Masters and finally completing the career Grand Slam.
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Then came the question of why he’s been refusing to answer any questions after his rounds, specifically at the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow and the past two days at Oakmont. Has it been because of his poor form? A simple “yes” would have been an easy cop out. A lay-up answer. Next question, please.
But that’s not in McIlroy’s DNA. In that moment, he had a thought and he expressed it, just like he always does.
“No, not really. It’s more a frustration with you guys,” said McIlroy, referring to the reporters surrounding him in the flash interview area.
Rory McIlroy addresses his decision to skip post-round media more often. pic.twitter.com/46eYEmZr8y
— Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) June 14, 2025
In what way is he frustrated, a reporter asked, allowing McIlroy to quickly amend that thought.
“I’ve been totally available for the past few years,” he said. “And I’m not saying – maybe not you guys, but maybe more just the whole thing.”
McIlroy alluded to the fact that the non-conforming driver situation at Quail Hollow certainly played a role in his frustrations, and that it’s not the first time he’s passed on speaking to the media after a round. In fact, he didn’t speak to the media after the first round of this year’s Masters. McIlroy was four-under after 14 holes on Thursday at Augusta National before double-bogeying two of the last four to shoot an even-par 72.
“It’s not out of the ordinary,” he said. “I’ve done it before; I’m just doing it a little more often.”
McIlroy insisted he isn’t trying to send any sort of message, nor is he trying to dare the PGA Tour into requiring players to speak to the media after the rounds. Athletes in team sports are contractually obligated to speak after a game, while professional golfers are not, something McIlroy has spoken about before.
He pointed to that again on Saturday afternoon at Oakmont.
“I’m not daring them to do anything,” he said. “I hope they don’t change it because it would, you know – this is, it’s a nice luxury to have. But I’m just pointing out the fact that we have the ability to do it.”
