Rory McIlroy was involved with a fair few controversial moments when it came to his post-round press conferences in 2025.
Of course, McIlroy wasn’t the only one to duck out of speaking to the media when things weren’t going well.
However, he probably did it more than most, and the fact that he is the most high-profile player in the game cannot be ignored.
Rory McIlroy is one of the most captivating golfers to listen to. He is wonderfully eloquent and doesn’t shy away from hard-hitting questions, when he actually addresses the media.
However, there were numerous occasions last year when he avoided speaking to reporters altogether.
Rory McIlroy will not be at the Cadillac Championship this week, as he aims to enter the PGA Championship at Aronimink in two weeks’ time as fresh as possible.
The six-time major champion certainly shouldn’t be criticized for that decision. However, his failure to face up to the media on multiple occasions in 2025 is something that he should be held to account for.
Laura Davies suggests what golf journalists should do with Rory McIlroy
McIlroy dodged media duties for six consecutive major rounds last year, starting at the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow.
He was angry that his name was leaked after his driver was deemed to be non-conforming before the start of the tournament, while other players’ names were kept anonymous.
The losers from that situation were the fans, which simply cannot be right.
However, Dame Laura Davies doesn’t agree with that notion whatsoever.
Davies was a guest on the Sky Sports Golf Podcast and she explained why McIlroy should be given space when things aren’t going well for him on the golf course.
“They are probably paying for their own enthusiasm. The trouble is for someone like Rory he is very giving of his time. A lot of the American players don’t give as much of their time as Rory. They have to put the time in, but Rory talks really well and he will open up to people.
“The trouble with that is I know his management try and keep him on a tight schedule with that sort of stuff but it takes it out of you.
“If you give him a bit of peace at the tournaments to let him do his job, because the minute he shoots a couple over par, everyone goes what is wrong with Rory McIlroy.
“So the people who are really disappointed he is not going have almost caused that because they don’t give him a break at these tournaments.
“I know the number one, or number two as he is now, has to put the commitment time in but that’s where you wear these people out. You don’t wear them out on the golf course, you wear them out with all the stuff around the tournament.
“I think he has earned the right to set himself out. I suggest people back off when he’s at tournaments, give him a little more time, and don’t be so demanding on him. If he has a great round interview him, if he’s shot five over, let him go.“
Laura Davies misses the point with Rory McIlroy claim
I’m not sure that Davies’ suggestion is the right way to go about things.
Yes, McIlroy has earned the right to play which events he chooses.
However, I firmly believe that he should give back to the game and his fans by speaking to reporters after every single round.
The insight offered after a poor round is always more useful than when golfers have played well.
If McIlroy can speak to reporters after he’s played well, there is no reason why he shouldn’t be able to do so after a poor round.
The Northern Irishman is the face of the professional game right now, and he has been for many years really.
As a result, setting a good example to the next generation of golfers coming through should be an obligation for him, rather than an option.
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