Rory McIlroy, aiming for his sixth major championship at the 2025 US Open, struggled through his first two rounds at Oakmont Country Club and barely made the cut. After posting disappointing scores, McIlroy refused to speak to the media following his second round, prompting a wave of mixed reactions from fans on social platforms.
McIlroy’s Recent Career Highlights and US Open Performance
The Northern Irish golfer secured a career Grand Slam earlier this year with his victory at the Masters Tournament in April. With 29 PGA Tour wins and 19 European Tour victories, McIlroy is a five-time major champion, having previously won the US Open in 2011 and the PGA Championship in both 2012 and 2014. Despite this record, his 2025 US Open start was far from smooth.
At Oakmont, McIlroy opened with a 4-over-par 74, followed by a 2-over 72 in round two, leaving him at 6-over 146 overall. His round two featured a rough start, including double bogeys on the first and third holes, but he managed to bounce back with birdies on the 9th, 15th, and 18th holes. Even so, he only made the cut by a single stroke and was tied for 45th place alongside Tony Finau, Xander Schauffele, and others.
Reactions to McIlroy’s Media Silence After the Second Round
McIlroy’s decision to avoid media interviews for two consecutive days triggered diverse responses from fans online. Some expressed empathy towards the golfer’s choice, while others criticized his attitude and compared him unfavorably with other golf legends.
“I don’t blame him, I wouldn’t want to talk to the media either after a bad round.” —Fan on X
“Rory is such a diva… people were hating on me during the Masters when I said I wasn’t a fan of his. Ball don’t lie, though.” —Fan on X
“Total bad example for golf. Too bad because he is so talented, but not a face for golf at all. He will never be bigger than the game that Ben and Sam and Arnie, and Jack made it to be. At least Tiger came back friendly and a different person, albeit his injuries have ruined him.” —Fan on X
“It makes me regret rooting for him so hard at the Masters :(“ —Fan on X
Additional comments ranged from harsh personal jabs to resigned acceptance of McIlroy’s behavior, with some users labeling him a “cry baby” and others noting “Rory being Rory.”
McIlroy’s History of Avoiding Media After Poor Performances
This is not the first time McIlroy has declined media interaction following disappointing rounds. He similarly stayed silent after underperforming at the 2025 PGA Championship. Speaking at a press conference during the RBC Canadian Open, McIlroy defended his choice to skip interviews, emphasizing it is his right to do so. He explained that on certain days he prefers focusing on practice rather than talking to reporters.
Implications for McIlroy and the US Open Moving Forward
Rory McIlroy’s quiet retreat from the spotlight following his early struggles at the 2025 US Open has stirred tension among fans, some questioning his sportsmanship despite his undeniable talent. As the tournament progresses, his ability to regain form and engage with the media could influence public perception and his standing among golf’s elite. Observers will also watch how McIlroy addresses these criticisms and whether he can transform the narrative in the remaining rounds of this major event.