Rory McIlroy’s relationship with the media has been strained to say the least over the past five weeks or so.
And now Keegan Bradley has weighed in on the debate regarding what role the media actually have to play in the game of golf in the modern era.
McIlroy‘s beef with the media began during the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow in May.
Before the tournament began, McIlroy’s driver was deemed to be non-conforming by the PGA of America.
The Masters champion’s name subsequently got leaked to the press, whilst the names of others whose drivers did not pass the test were kept anonymous.
McIlroy admitted that that was why he was so angry with the media, and he proceeded not to speak to reporters for six consecutive major championship rounds.
And he was asked about the press once again after his round at the Travelers Championship on Thursday.
Keegan Bradley responds to what Rory McIlroy said about the media at the Travelers
Bradley and McIlroy played alongside one another on day one of the Travelers, and both players carded very impressive rounds of six-under par 64.
McIlroy addressed the press after his first round at TPC River Highlands on Thursday, and responded when asked what role he believes the media should play in golf in this day and age.
He said, “I’m not a journalist. I don’t know. Report the birdies and bogeys, I guess. And obviously you have to — the storylines sort of write themselves for the most part. But yeah, I certainly see the need for it and see the need for the platform. Like I’ve never argued that. But I just think nowadays there’s so many different ways to consume sports and entertainment. It certainly isn’t the only avenue to get your sports news and information.“
Then it was put to Bradley what McIlroy has said about the media, and he was asked whether or not he agrees with the five-time major champion.
Bradley said, “Well, I think we’ve got to do our best to give back to the media. Sometimes it’s really hard for us when we have a bad finish or a bad tournament or lose a tournament. It’s so fresh. You’re signing your card and coming straight here. There’s no break. Sometimes I know I can be a little upset and say things maybe I don’t want to say. So it’s an interesting dynamic.“
It’s clear to see from those comments that Bradley has much more respect for the golfing press than McIlroy does.
What McIlroy noticed Travelers Championship crowd singing to Bradley
Bradley was born in Woodstock, Vermont, so he is a hugely popular figure in New England.
McIlroy shared the chant he heard the crowd aim at Bradley at the Travelers Championship.
He said, “Not really. Obviously there was a few shouts for him out there, but no, there was definitely a lot more “Captain America” and “USA” chants out there, which is cool. It’s cool for Keegan to be here, be the U.S. Ryder Cup captain and obviously get all that support.“
Bradley has become even more popular amongst the American galleries since he was named as the 2025 U.S. Ryder Cup captain.
McIlroy will be hoping that he and his European teammates can ruin Bradley’s Ryder Cup experience at Bethpage Black in September.
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