Rory McIlroy looks set to endure another disappointing week at a major, with the Northern Irishman 10 over par after three rounds at the US Open.
It seems safe to say now that Rory McIlroy will not be adding a sixth major title to his CV at Oakmont. The 36-year-old has had a pretty miserable time on the golf course at the US Open with another round of 74 under his belt on Saturday.
With McIlroy not performing on the course, there has been plenty of talk surrounding his decision to not speak to the media over the first two days at the third major of the year.
Of course, McIlroy did not speak to the press at all once the PGA Championship got going last month. And he has taken a similar stance at the US Open, with McIlroy’s conduct being questioned.
Rory McIlroy discusses his snub of the media at the US Open
McIlroy did not make himself available on Thursday or Friday at Oakmont. And it is fair to say that he was prickly at best when he did take some questions after his third round.
McIlroy provided a little insight into his decision not to speak to the media. He went on to be asked how he would feel if the PGA Tour decided to make interviews after rounds mandatory.
Initially he was asked about the reason for not speaking to the media for six major rounds running.
“No, not really. It’s more a frustration with you guys,” he said.
“I’m just, yeah, I don’t know. I have, I’ve been totally available for the last few years, and I’m not saying — maybe not you guys, but maybe more just the whole thing.”
McIlroy was then asked whether the situation surrounding his driver at Quail Hollow caused an issue. It was leaked to the media that his driver had failed after being tested by the USGA. And he admitted that the way that that was handled upset him.
“Yeah, that was a part of it. But it’s not as if — like at Augusta I skipped you guys on Thursday, so yeah, again, it’s not as if — it’s not out of the ordinary. I’ve done it before; I’m just doing it a little more often.”
“I feel like I’ve earned the right to do whatever I want to do, yeah.”
“No, I’m not daring them to do anything. 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,” he added, when asked about whether his actions are daring the PGA Tour to make interviews mandatory.
A really disappointing set of comments from Rory McIlroy at the US Open
It is really disappointing to see McIlroy take this stance. Obviously, he feels hurt by what happened at the PGA Championship with his driver. Meanwhile, McIlroy has admitted that he is not as motivated as he has been since The Masters.
But his win at Augusta National seemed to unite the golfing world. So many were emotional because it was one of the most significant victories the sport has seen for a long, long time.
A lot of that affection for McIlroy will have evaporated in the months since. But it seems that McIlroy himself is not that bothered about that.
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