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Rory McIlroy frustrates fans at US Open as PGA Tour faces growing pressure for rule change

Originally posted on HITC | By Antony Martin | Last updated Jun 13, 2025 3:54 PM ET

Rory McIlroy repeated at the US Open a controversial conduct criticised by fans and media.

The 35-year-old posted a 41 over his closing nine holes, ultimately signing for a four-over 74 in Thursday’s opening round. It was a sharp contrast to the form he showed just two months ago when he completed the career Grand Slam at Augusta National.

That win at Augusta put McIlroy in rare company as just the sixth player in history to win all four majors. But momentum from that historic achievement hasn’t carried over into his summer.

Drama flared before the PGA Championship when his driver failed conformity tests, a situation McIlroy later said was made worse by how his name was leaked while others’ remained private.

Since then, McIlroy hasn’t quite looked or sounded himself. He was already agitated during his US Open pre-tournament press conference and, after his rough start at Oakmont, he chose not to speak to the media at all.

McIlroy chose not to follow the examples of top players like Bryson DeChambeau and Scottie Scheffler. Both faced the press after difficult rounds, while the Northern Irishman left reporters and fans hanging in suspense.

Golf isn’t the only sport where players are expected to address the media, regardless of how they played. Interviews and press conferences are part of the job, especially in a sport that relies so heavily on fan engagement.

Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images

Frustration has been building over McIlroy’s media absences, and Thursday’s no-show at Oakmont only added to the conversation. Fans, sponsors, and tournament organisers expect the game’s biggest names to be available win or lose – and McIlroy didn’t deliver.

Paul McGinley weighed in via Golf Channel’s Live From, suggesting it’s time for golf’s governing bodies to step in and require players to meet basic media obligations.

His frustrating round led to another missed media appearance, a trend that’s becoming all too familiar.

McIlroy has acknowledged how much outside noise can affect his play, but avoiding the media only fuels that conversation.

While it’s understandable that a player might not want to speak after a tough round, golf’s biggest names have a responsibility to the sport – and to their fans.

The solution might be straightforward: follow the lead of other sports and make post-round interviews mandatory. The financial stakes in modern golf are enormous, and players are compensated accordingly. Speaking to the media should be non-negotiable, especially at major championships.

Still, it’s not just about media rights or sponsorship deals, it’s about respect for the fans. The PGA Tour, USGA, R&A, and PGA of America need to protect the connection between players and the public.

What Paul McGinley said about McIlroy’s media no-show

Speaking on Live From the US Open, McGinley didn’t hold back. “I think the mistake lies not so much with Rory or Morikawa or anyone else who doesn’t [talk to the media]. The mistake lies with golf. Why isn’t golf mandating these guys to talk?” he said.

“They’re playing for ridiculously high prize points every week. They’ve got to give a little bit back … it needs to be mandated for the good of the game and the tournament.”

McGinley’s comments have sparked renewed debate among fans and industry insiders, who are calling for a rule change that would require players to face the media after their rounds, regardless of how they played.

It’s a conversation that isn’t likely to go away, especially if more top players follow McIlroy’s lead in avoiding post-round interviews.

Right now, a simple rule change might be the push golf needs to better serve its fans and protect its future.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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