Rory McIlroy might have snuck into the weekend at the US Open but as has been the case in recent weeks, the story around him expands further than just his golf.
McIlroy made a birdie on the last to ensure he’d be part of proceedings at Oakmont for the final two days.
However, while McIlroy can be given credit for battling back from a double bogey start to make the cut, it seems all is not right with the Northern Irishman once again.
The Masters winner once again skipped media, while fans labelled McIlroy a disgrace for his antics in smashing the tee box on 17.
Indeed, it was that skipping of media duties again – it’s now six rounds in majors in a row he’s done such a thing – that caught the attention again.
But while McIlroy is under fire and being criticised for ignoring the press, Tiger Woods’ former coach, Hank Haney, has suggested otherwise.
Hank Haney defends Rory McIlroy after US Open criticism
As everyone in golf knows, the players are under no legal or contractual obligation to go and speak to the media.
McIlroy himself has spoken about this issue, and it seems to be a recurring theme in 2025 that this sort of issue dominates headlines.
Still, while McIlroy is being slammed by some, Tiger Woods’ ex coach Hank Haney has taken to X to defend McIlroy, pointing out a simple observation as to why McIlroy can do as he pleases.
Quite whether many will agree with Haney, remains to be seen. But McIlroy is definitely bringing more issues upon himself right now, regardless of the optics and opinions around it.
Can Rory McIlroy really be defended for missing media duties?
It seems to be a dominant discussion point in golf at the moment.
On one hand, McIlroy can do as he likes and Haney is right, he is an independent contractor not bound by any obligations towards the media.
On the flipside, though, McIlroy has had enough support from the media over his 16 year career so far that when it comes to the majors, he should be offering something at the very least.
Paul McGinley did offer some reasoning to try and back McIlroy up, but it’s hard to argue that he’s given his image a real damaging in recent times.
Many will question if he’d be the same if he had played well, and given we couldn’t get him off our screens after The Masters, that is a valid question.
If McIlroy once again avoids the press after round three, then there might be a debate to suggest there is something more at play here.
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