After a shaky start at Wentworth, Rory McIlroy salvaged his week with a strong final round at the 2025 BMW PGA Championship, closing out with a 6-under performance on the par 5s. The Northern Irishman, who had avoided speaking to the media for three straight days, finally broke his silence on Sunday — offering a candid look at his struggles, adjustments, and timely resurgence with the Ryder Cup looming just days away.

In his post-round interview, McIlroy candidly reflected on his performance, stating, “I think you enjoy yourself a bit more when you play like that instead of the way I played the first three days.” He acknowledged that his initial rounds were less than stellar, emphasizing the contrast between his earlier struggles and his improved performance on the final day. McIlroy’s final round marked a significant turnaround.

He played the par 5s exceptionally well, noting, “I played the par 5s much better. That was the difference between the first three days and today.” His performance on these holes, where he played 6-under par, was a key factor in his resurgence. This improvement not only boosted his confidence but also allowed him to finish the tournament on a positive note.

Despite the challenges, McIlroy expressed satisfaction with his overall performance. He remarked, “Nice to finish on a high.” This statement encapsulated his relief and contentment after a week filled with ups and downs. Looking ahead, McIlroy acknowledged the importance of the upcoming Ryder Cup, stating, “Obviously a really nice way to sign off the week, last competitive round going into the Ryder Cup. So nice to finish on a high.”

McIlroy’s decision to remain silent during the first three days of the tournament drew attention. And this was not the first time he had chosen to avoid the media. Earlier this year, at the 2025 PGA Championship, McIlroy faced criticism for skipping all media sessions following a controversy involving a non-conforming driver. At that time, McIlroy explained that he was “a little pissed off” because his driver issue was leaked to the press, while others, including Scottie Scheffler, faced similar situations without media scrutiny. He defended his right to skip media obligations, stating, “I’ve earned the right to do whatever I want to do.”

This pattern of selective media engagement has sparked discussions about player-media relations and the pressures faced by professional golfers. While some view McIlroy’s actions as a form of self-preservation, others interpret them as a challenge to the expectations placed upon athletes. As McIlroy prepares for the upcoming Ryder Cup, his performance at Wentworth and his interactions with the media will continue to be closely scrutinized.

But while Rory McIlroy’s immediate focus is on performance, his career decisions reflect a broader philosophy about golf and legacy.

What legacy and responsibility mean for Rory McIlroy

Unlike Scottie Scheffler, who candidly admitted, “Why do I want to win the Open Championship so badly? I don’t know,” and has stated that traveling internationally “is not my priority nor responsibility,” Rory McIlroy actively embraces global tournaments. “I think that they’re the oldest championships in our game and I think they’re very, very important,” McIlroy said at the 2024 RBC Canadian Open, emphasizing the significance of national opens. His advocacy has helped create exemptions for winners of six additional national opens into The Masters and The Open Championship, elevating these tournaments on a global scale.

Scheffler prioritizes family balance with his wife, Meredith, and infant son Bennett, focusing on select majors and key PGA Tour events. In contrast, McIlroy’s commitment to traveling and competing internationally demonstrates his sense of responsibility to the sport. As Joseph LaMagna noted, “Outside of being arguably the greatest European golfer to ever play the game and a career grand slam champion, McIlroy has made a concerted effort to boost the profile of national opens, which could end up becoming a significant part of his legacy.”

Where Scheffler focuses on efficiency and personal priorities, McIlroy’s decisions show that legacy is built not only on victories but on where and why a player chooses to compete. His philosophy reinforces that responsibility to the game can extend beyond the leaderboard, a hallmark of his enduring career. Rory McIlroy’s strong finish at the BMW PGA Championship highlighted his resilience on the course and willingness to manage pressure off it. Beyond the leaderboard, his commitment to national opens and global tournaments continues to shape his enduring legacy in golf.