Canadian Open: Rory McIlroy Stands Firm on Skipping Media with Harsh Retort

Newsweek

05-06-2025

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
World No. 2 Rory McIlroy spoke to the press ahead of the start of the RBC Canadian Open at TPC Toronto. It was his first public statement since he failed to meet with reporters at the PGA Championship and missed the Memorial Tournament.
Naturally, this was one of the central topics of the questions he received that day. McIlroy defended his right to refuse interviews and mentioned other circumstances that were present at the time.
"If we all wanted to, we could all bypass you guys and we could just go on this and we could go on social media and we could talk about our round and do it our own way," he said.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland watches his tee shot on the 3rd hole during the RBC Canadian Open Pro-Am at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley on June 04, 2025 in Caledon, Ontario, Canada.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland watches his tee shot on the 3rd hole during the RBC Canadian Open Pro-Am at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley on June 04, 2025 in Caledon, Ontario, Canada."We understand that that's not ideal for you guys and there's a bigger dynamic at play here, and I talk to you guys and I talk to the media a lot. I think there should be an understanding that this is a two-way street...we understand the benefit that comes from you being here and giving us the platform and everything else."
"But again, I've been beating this drum for a long time. If they want to make it mandatory, that's fine, but in our rules it says that it's not, and until the day that that's maybe written into the regulations, you're going to have guys skip from time to time, and that's well within our rights."
The 2025 PGA Championship will always be remembered as the moment when McIlroy's driver was declared non-conforming, sparking a flurry of rumors. He said he was "pissed off" with the press for leaking the information, when asked about this circumstance.
"I was a little pissed off."
Rory McIlroy addressed his driver failing to pass testing during the PGA Championship and why he did not speak to the media about it. pic.twitter.com/AjEteG43nR — Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) June 4, 2025
The five-time major winner is certainly known for being a regular at press conferences before, during, and after tournaments. He also offers statements on a variety of golf-related topics outside of competitive events.
However, a few weeks ago, he shared similar opinions about players' right not to give interviews. This occurred in the context of Collin Morikawa's controversial comments about how he "doesn't owe anyone anything" and therefore doesn't have to meet with reporters.
The matter generated many reactions, some supportive like McIlroy's and some in denial. Some fans argued that the PGA Tour should require players to speak with the press during tournaments, as is the case in other sports.
Even the legendary Jack Nicklaus was questioned about the issue during the Memorial Tournament. While Nicklaus did not condemn the behavior of the players who refused to speak to reporters, he used himself as an example, noting that he always met with the press, regardless of how he played.
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