U.S. Open
U.S. Open 2025: Rory McIlroy opens up about why he's skipped media after third-round 74 at Oakmont
Andrew Redington
OAKMONT, Pa. — Following his third-round 74 on Saturday at Oakmont, Rory McIlroy spoke with the media. Given the fact he had skipped this endeavor after each of his last six major rounds, it was a bit of a surprise.
What was not a surprise was that McIlroy was his usual, transparent self. He called his U.S. Open so far "pretty average" (McIlroy is +10, T-53). He said he was hoping to play better, he just didn't. He admitted, yet again, that he just feels a little flat on the golf course since winning the Masters and finally completing the career Grand Slam.
Then came the question of why he's been refusing to answer any questions after his rounds, specifically at the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow and the last two days at Oakmont. Has it been because of his poor form? A simple "yes" would have been an easy cop out. A layup answer. Next question, please.
But that's not in McIlroy's DNA. In that moment, he had a thought and he expressed it, just like he always does.
"No, not really. It's more a frustration with you guys," said McIlroy, referring to the reporters surrounding him in the flash interview area.
In what way is he frustrated, a reporter asked, allowing McIlroy to quickly amend that thought.
"I've been totally available for the last few years," he said. "And I'm not saying—maybe not you guys, but maybe more just the whole thing."
McIlroy alluded to the fact that the non-conforming driver situation at Quail Hollow certainly played a role in his frustrations, and that it's not the first time he's passed on speaking to the media after a round. In fact, he didn't speak to the media after the first round of this year's Masters. McIlroy was four under through 15 holes on Thursday at Augusta National before double-bogeying two of the last four to shoot an even-par 72.
"It's not out of the ordinary," he said. "I've done it before; I'm just doing it a little more often."
McIlroy insisted he isn't trying to send any sort of message, nor is he trying to dare the PGA Tour into requiring players to speak to the media after the rounds. Athletes in team sports are contractually obligated to speak after a game, while professional golfers are not, something McIlroy has spoken about before.
He pointed to that again on Saturday afternoon.
"I'm not daring them to do anything," he said. "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."