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Rory McIlroy Under Fire for Controversial Decision at PGA Championship

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated May 19, 2025 10:16 AM ET

The PGA Championship took place over four days at Quail Hollow in Charlotte, North Carolina, and while most of the spotlight was on world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler—who claimed his first PGA Championship title and third career major—there was also plenty of attention on this year’s Masters winner, Rory McIlroy.

Unfortunately for McIlroy, the tournament didn’t go as planned. He finished three-over par, placing him in a tie for 47th. Controversy followed him from the start, as his preferred TaylorMade driver was deemed non-conforming after failing a USGA flexibility test. This forced him to switch drivers mid-tournament—a change that also impacted Scheffler.

What stirred even more reaction, however, was McIlroy’s decision to avoid the media entirely. From Thursday through Sunday, he declined to speak with reporters after each round, a move that drew criticism from fans who felt the silence was uncharacteristic and disappointing given his status in the sport.

Should players be required to do media after tournaments? @TrulySeltzer pic.twitter.com/tAiQJ0q354
— Fore Play (@ForePlayPod) May 18, 2025

"I want to like Rory. But he just does stuff like this too often," a fan said.

"Not surprised at all by this. Supposed to be the ambassador or the sport, cries his eyes out and makes little jokes on the mic when he wins but can’t face the music when he’s not playing well. Classic," Another fan reacted.

Someone else added, "When you’re in the top 3 in the world it’s an obligation. It’s one of the things you just have to deal with. It comes with the territory."

One more fan commented, "Just throwing away all the good will you had with the fans after the career grand slam.. not a good look Rory."

McIlroy has enjoyed a stellar season so far, highlighted by victories at the Masters, the Players Championship, and the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

The next stop on the PGA Tour is this week’s Charles Schwab Challenge, but it appears McIlroy will not be participating. As a result, his next scheduled appearance is expected to be at the RBC Canadian Open, which begins on June 5.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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