2025 is a special year for Rory McIlroy, as he achieved his career Grand Slam by winning The Masters in April. However, that didn’t make him immune to criticism.
The 36-year-old held off Justin Rose in a dramatic playoff to claim the green jacket, and the reaction from fans and players alike showed just how much it meant.
But while he was widely praised at the time, the months that followed saw a shift in how some viewed McIlroy’s behaviour.
He chose to skip media responsibilities at the US Open, a move that drew sharp criticism from certain corners of the golf world.
The issue of players avoiding media duties has been a recurring theme throughout this PGA Tour season, and it has led nine-time major champion Gary Player to speak out against McIlroy’s approach.
Gary Player not impressed with Rory McIlroy’s attitude in 2025
Player, who shares a similar outlook to Jack Nicklaus, has often spoken about the responsibility top golfers have to engage with the media.
This time, speaking on the Golf Supply YouTube channel, Player was asked about McIlroy and while he said he is a fan, he made it clear he has not been pleased with how things have gone since The Masters.
“Yes, I am but I am not happy with the way he has behaved since he won The Masters.
“Not going to the press and stuff. I have never done that in my life, neither did Palmer or Nicklaus. And then he says he can do what he likes. You can’t. Nobody can do what you like.
“Nicklaus will tell him, Nicklaus will straighten him out. But he has got the most beautiful swing.”
Rory McIlroy’s response to criticism over media absence
Much of McIlroy’s frustration seemed to start when details about his driver change ahead of the PGA Championship were leaked.
That incident appeared to bother him, and he later pulled out of The Memorial Tournament as well.
However, speaking at the Canadian Open, McIlroy stood by his decision.
“There has obviously been times in my career where I have opted not to. I don’t want to talk about negative things, especially in the middle of the week of a major,” McIlroy said.
“And then with a lot of the driver stuff as well there was a lot of people I was trying to protect by not saying anything.
“Look, I decided that was the best course of action for me that week. But, again, I keep saying we have that option if we want to. If the powers that be want to look at that they can. But I am happy to be back here again and on a nice three-week stretch starting here and looking to the third major of the season next week at Oakmont.”
It remains unclear whether stricter rules from the PGA will follow.
The issue has lingered throughout this season and will eventually need addressing one way or another.
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