Rory McIlroy hits back with shocking response to media blackout

Rory McIlroy finally offered himself up for interview at the US Open – and offered a rather blunt response to criticism.

We had to wait until after the third round to hear from Rory McIlroy – and, while brief, it was explosive.

The newly-crowned five-time major champion explained why he’s been keeping a low profile with the press, pointing to frustration and mental fatigue as factors during this week’s championship.

McIlroy, who secured his long-awaited Green Jacket at the Masters earlier this year to complete the career Grand Slam, has seen a drop in form since that victory. “I have felt a little flat on the golf course afterwards,” he admitted.

Asked to sum up his performance at Oakmont so far, McIlroy was blunt: “Pretty average.” Despite showing signs of promise, including strong driving which he described as “as good as it has been in a long time”, McIlroy has struggled to find consistency this week, on a course he acknowledged was “mentally taxing”.

McIlroy was 8-over-par through three holes on Friday before playing the next 15 in 2-under to make the cut on the number. And this led to a frank admission: “It’s funny, it’s much easier being on the cut line when you don’t really care if you’re here for the weekend or not. I was thinking, ‘Do I really want two more days here?’ So it makes it easier to play better when you’re in that mindset.”

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The 36-year-old won his first major title at the 2011 US Open, then followed with a win at the 2012 PGA Championship, and an incredible 2014 season with victories at both The Open and another PGA title. McIlroy then made history at this year’s Masters, becoming just the sixth player to complete the career Grand Slam, and the first to do it since Tiger Woods in 2000.

However, since then his manner has been subdued. When asked about his recent pattern of skipping media sessions at major tournaments, McIlroy didn’t mince his words.

“It’s more a frustration with you guys,” he said.

Pressed about whether it was to do with the driver drama at the PGA Championship, he added: “I mean, that was a part of it. But at Augusta I skipped you guys on Thursday, so it’s not out of the ordinary. I’ve done it before. I’m just doing it a little more often.

“I feel like I’ve earned the right to do whatever I want to do.”

He emphasized that his break from media sessions was a personal choice: “I’m not daring anyone to do anything… it’s just a nice luxury to have.”

McIlroy did allow himself a moment of dry humor. When asked what he wants from Sunday’s final round, he concluded: “Hopefully a round in under four and a half hours and get out of here.”

Watch Rory’s media interview below:

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