Rory McIlroy, who let an opportunity for his first major tournament win in a decade slip away Sunday, did not stick around to talk to the media, making a fast exit from the premises after his U.S. Open round.
McIlroy bogeyed three of the final four holes and missed short putts on the 16th and 18th holes that cost him a shot at victory. Bryson DeChambeau beat McIlroy by one stroke to claim his second U.S. Open.
After finishing his round, McIlroy waited until DeChambeau finished his round to seal the win. McIlroy then headed for his courtesy car at Pinehurst No. 2 and made his getaway, skipping all media interviews, including the customary post-round NBC interview.
💔🏆😔 The Heartbreak continues for Rory McIlroy @TrackingRory pic.twitter.com/evQPhg89Vl
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) June 16, 2024
CBS Sports’ Kyle Porter reported “Rory just *flew* out of the parking lot. May have been off the property before Bryson signed his card.”
FAST exit for Rory. His greatest heartbreak yet? pic.twitter.com/3vEeOjSvtC
— Alan Bastable (@alan_bastable) June 16, 2024
However, there were plenty of reporters around to capture McIlroy’s getaway.
No media for Rory McIlroy, as he loads up the car and quickly leaves the premises. pic.twitter.com/z9FzEoq0hB
— Jason Sobel (@JasonSobelGolf) June 16, 2024
Unlike some sports leagues, the USGA, which runs the U.S. Open, does not require players to meet media obligations. Neither does the PGA Tour. Still, many fans thought Sunday’s fast exit was not a good look for McIlroy, although others did not blame him.
This is so soft from Rory to skip the media. So soft. https://t.co/N3cG1lhG1k
— Kevin Maggiore (@MaggioreKevin) June 16, 2024
You cannot blame Rory for wanting to get out of there as quickly as possible.
Having to analyze the missed putts on 16 and 18 via questions from reporters who do not cover golf full-time would have been an exercise in unfathomable cruelty. https://t.co/fATzUU7z9W
— Walker Carey (@walkerRcarey) June 16, 2024
Damn, full swing crew in the background too getting all the footage for season 3
— Chris Reilly (@C_Reilly5) June 16, 2024
Before people bash Rory for not taking questions from the media just remember that the media also completely made up a rumor about Amanda Balionis and Rory McIlroy dating. https://t.co/Qv6zPKBNjs
— Eric Polzin (NinetoFiveSports) (@925_Sports) June 17, 2024
PGA Tour “role model” and “good guy” Rory angrily speeds off in a fit just after losing to a LIV guy in a major he’s chased for a decade. Maybe he has to go sign divorce papers. Maybe he is going to shop for a new putter? https://t.co/Y4DPZcuoLh
— Hub Blankenship (@hubbyb014) June 16, 2024
Or maybe he was just leaving the stage clear for Bryson? Interviewing the guy who didn’t seems to pull focus from the guy who played the best golf for 4 days 🤷🏼♂️ https://t.co/ey9VunHtYo
— Rhys Knott (@wrhys_writes) June 16, 2024
[Alan Bastable, Golf.com]
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.