Rory McIlroy missed the cut at The Open Championship on Friday – and golf fans around the world are less than impressed with the Northern Irishman’s post-round comments.
The four-time major winner followed up his first-round 78 with a four-over 75 to miss the cut by five shots and become the highest-profile player to miss the weekend at the year’s final major.
It was a completely uncharacteristic performance, and McIlroy left golf fans stunned after he produced a genuinely terrible eight-iron on the sixth hole.
However, the 35-year-old’s post-round comments have also left fans raging.
Rory McIlroy leaves golf fans fuming after post-round comments
Speaking after his second round, McIlroy claimed he knew the week was finished early on in his second round.
“When I made eight on the fourth hole, that was it,” said McIlroy. “22 holes into the event, and I am thinking about where I am going to go on vacation next week.”
However, on a day where Joaquin Niemann fought back from a quintuple bogey and Robert MacIntyre got over a poor start to make the cut, the Northern Irishman’s comments have been picked apart on social media.
One fan offered a brutal comment on X. “Certified loser,” they wrote. “16 holes to play, and you don’t think you can go 4-5 under, so many better golfers out there than this.”
Another added, “That’s a disrespectful statement for a professional golfer to say. Disappointing.”
Several more questioned McIlroy’s desire to win at the top level.
“That’s very negative thinking, Rory,” wrote one fan. “Dreadful attitude. Didn’t look at all positive on Thursday.”
Finally, this fan claimed McIlroy’s half-hearted attitude means he can’t be compared to Tiger Woods.
“Something to admire about Tiger Woods is that he always keeps trying to the end,” they wrote. “He would rather shoot 77 than 78. Rory McIlroy gave up after 22 holes, he said! This is why Tiger is Tiger.”
Rory McIlroy looked at a loss during the 2024 Open Championship
McIlroy was dealt the worst of the conditions during his two rounds at The Open, but admitting he had given up on the front nine isn’t a good look.
Tiger, for all his physical flaws, will never give up until he mathematically knows his tournament is done.
Conditions on Friday improved on the back nine, and birdies were available if the right decisions had been made.
McIlroy is one of the world’s elite players and was more than capable of putting together a run to make it to the weekend.
Given his attitude towards his second round, the criticism aimed his way feels completely justified.
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