Rory McIlroy’s media absence in recent weeks has brought plenty of opinion with it but the Masters winner himself has now suggested things need to change if we’re to avoid the conversation in the future.
McIlroy avoided media duties throughout the PGA Championship a few weeks ago before opting not to play in The Memorial Tournament hosted by Jack Nicklaus.
Both decisions from McIlroy drew the ire of fans and certain sections of the media alike.
Of course, we’d not heard from McIlroy during the entire time and the media were keen to hear his take on things at this week’s Canadian Open.
And speaking prior to yesterday’s opening round, McIlroy shared his view on proceedings.
Rory McIlroy puts the ball in the PGA Tour’s court over media duties
As it stands, there is no obligation for the PGA Tour players to speak to the media and as McIlroy has said more than once, the players are within their rights not to speak if they wish.
However, that is something that may well change down the line and speaking at the Canadian Open, McIlroy suggested that the higher ups within the TOUR are the ones who need to address such issues.
“There has obviously been times in my career where I have opted not to. I don’t want to talk about negative things, especially in the middle of the week of a major,” McIlroy said.
“And then with a lot of the driver stuff as well there was a lot of people I was trying to protect by not saying anything.
“Look, I decided that was the best course of action for me that week. But, again, I keep saying we have that option if we want to. If the powers that be want to look at that they can. But I am happy to be back here again and on a nice three week stretch starting here and looking to the third major of the season next week at Oakmont.”
Rory McIlroy has dug himself out of a hole with recent comments
There was a lot of negative press around McIlroy after his stance at the PGA Championship and then his absence from The Memorial only stood to make the optics worse.
However, you have to say he has come out and said all the right things so far while in Canada.
His reasoning about not getting drawn into the discussions around his driver at Quail Hollow, in addition with simply wanting to get home to see his family are fair enough reasons.
Going forward, it will be interesting to see if McIlroy continues to speak to the media and in particular, when the chips are down.
If he doesn’t engage when things aren’t going well, then he will quickly build up a reputation and that’s not something he wants to be carrying into tournaments with him.
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