“That’s well within our rights.” As Rory McIlroy sat in front of the media ahead of the RBC Canadian Open last week, he had a plain and simple, put-it-on-the-rules kind of an explanation to why he ducked them at the PGA Championship. That somehow was the first Domino to fall this season. However, it wasn’t that other golfers were trying to avoid the press conferences, even though Colin Morikawa did pull the trick. The reigning Masters champion’s explanation included the “weird week” he had at Quail Hollow, it seems like neither his days are improving nor is he wanting to appear in front of the mic.

In the ongoing US Open, Rory McIlroy started strong on Thursday. At Oakmont, he made the turn at 2 under without a bogey over his first nine holes. However, his round took a turn on No. 1, his tenth hole, where he made his first bogey. McIlroy struggled in the final six holes, finishing with a 4-over 74, his highest opening-round score in the US Open since a first-round 80 in 2018. And instead of learning from the past or Brandel Chamblee’s theory of “the reciprocal nature of competing in and the covering of sport,” the Northern Irishman is at it again. Seemingly, his fans are about done with him already.

Yesterday, NUCLR GOLF tweeted, “🚨❌🗣️ #NOT TALKING — Rory McIlroy declined media requests once again following his 1st round +4, 74 at the U.S. Open on Thursday. McIlroy has made it clear recently that he feels no obligation to speak if he doesn’t want to. @TrackingRory What are your thoughts on this?”

Having recorded scores of 71 or higher in five consecutive rounds since the PGA Championship, Rory McIlroy refused to talk to the media after the opening round. Of course, the stats aren’t working in his favor either. McIlroy’s opening round featured seven of 14 fairways hit, 13 of 18 greens in regulation, and 34 putts. He led the tournament in driving distance at 331.5 yards but ranked outside the top 100 in putting. However, the media snub at the US Open isn’t new.

Following his mistakes at the 2024 US Open, Rory McIlroy declined to speak to the media. His quest for another elusive major championship ended in disappointment when he blew a one-stroke lead, allowing Bryson DeChambeau to capture his second US Open title. McIlroy felt stunned by his putting errors, missing two putts from inside four feet that could have clinched a historic victory. Given a repeat of this behavior, fans are not impressed.

Golf fans are not impressed with this Rory McIlroy habit

Given that McIlroy is not giving the followers what they want: an insider scoop of what happened and why, one fan suggested, “Give brief statement and then 2-3 questions. 5 minutes tops.” Snubbing the media doesn’t make sense, as the questions after a round usually focus on performance. McIlroy, one of golf’s biggest stars, would have faced only simple inquiries about the course, his round, and adjustments for day two, taking maybe five minutes. This behavior feels out of character for him and is concerning as it becomes more common.

Another fan opined, “I’m a Rory fan, but this is getting old,” while TWLEGION said, “again 😶.” Unfortunately, for Rory McIlroy, snubbing the media is a pretty old habit. In the 2023 US Open, Rory McIlroy snubbed the media after both his opening and second rounds. He delivered impressive scores of 65 and 67 at the Los Angeles Country Club. He eventually registered another runner-up finish at the U.S. Open. Yet, a no-show in the pressers. And the golfing world is noticing the patterns.

One fan called this a “Childish behavior.” Rory McIlroy’s habit of snubbing the media sounds more jarring when you consider how Bryson DeChambeau engaged with the press despite a poor opening round. DeChambeau, McIlroy’s adversary at Pinehurst No. 2 during the 2024 U.S. Open, finished only one stroke better than McIlroy. But he has always come out to talk to the press and share his thoughts.

Lastly, a fan said, “Dude gonna blame the wind or say his shoelace was tight… Tiger would never. 🐅⛳.” Despite missing the cut at the 2024 US Open, Tiger Woods took the time to talk to the media after his rounds. After a one-over-par first round at Valhalla, he needed a low score on the second day to make the cut, but a difficult stretch of triple bogey-bogey-triple bogey early on Friday led to his elimination.

Reflecting on his week, Woods stated after the Friday round, “It was a great week being here at Valhalla, and unfortunately my scores did not indicate how the people treated me and how great a week I had. Unfortunately, I hit too many shots.” What do you think of this Rory McIlroy behavior now?