Rory McIlroy at the US Open 2025: “I feel like I’ve earned the right to do whatever I want to do”
06/15/2025 by Golf Post Editors
Rory McIlroy voices clear criticism at the US Open 2025: He says in no uncertain terms that he sees his media restraint as his right.
Rory McIlroy at the US Open 2025. (Photo: Getty)
The third round of the US Open 2025 was disappointing for Rory McIlroy. With a round of 74, the Northern Irishman dropped back to tied 49th place. Although he faced the press after the round, his statements showed visible frustration, not only with his game, but also in his dealings with the media.
US Open 2025: A tired Rory McIlroy
Rory McIlroy was brief after his round on Saturday: He described his US Open in two words – “pretty average” – and when asked if he hadn’t hoped for more, he replied tersely “I was hoping to play better, but I didn’t.” To a certain extent, he puts this down to his Masters victory. After that he had run out of steam a little and was struggling with a lack of motivation. According to him, however, the new driver was responsible for this week’s performance.
He only just made the cut on Friday – thanks to a late birdie finish – but that didn’t seem to bother him much: “Yeah, it’s funny, like it’s much easier being on the cut line when you don’t really care if you’re here for the weekend or not.” However, he made it clear that he wasn’t enjoying the tournament: McIlroy said he was most looking forward to “hopefully a round in under four and a half hours and get out of here.”
Rory McIlroy distances himself from the press
McIlroy is also reserved in his dealings with the media. After his Masters victory, he frequently turned down press inquiries, including at the US Open. One of the reasons for this was a leaked driver test at the PGA Championship in which his club failed. McIlroy emphasized that this should have remained confidential. He explained that he was frustrated by the media landscape and did not feel obliged to give interviews. “ I feel like I’ve earned the right to do whatever I want to do”, he said.
Rory McIlroy addresses his decision to skip post-round media more often. pic.twitter.com/46eYEmZr8y
— Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) June 14, 2025
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