Rory McIlroy’s Decision to Forego Post-Round Interviews at the US Open

After accomplishing the rare feat of completing a career Grand Slam, Rory McIlroy has once again chosen not to engage in post-round interviews during the US Open.The world No 2 asserts that reaching such a significant milestone grants him the autonomy to determine when and how he interacts with the media.

Reaching an Elite Milestone in Golf

earlier this year,McIlroy joined an exclusive group as only the seventh golfer in history to achieve a career Grand Slam. This accomplishment came after a dramatic playoff win at The Masters,marking his third PGA Tour victory of 2025. Despite this historic success, his recent tournament results have been inconsistent as he adjusts to heightened expectations and pressures.

The Silence Amid Equipment Scrutiny

This year’s PGA Championship saw McIlroy avoid all media engagements throughout all four rounds amid controversy surrounding his driver’s compliance with equipment regulations. At Oakmont Country Club during this week’s US Open, he maintained this approach by declining post-round interviews after day two.

On-Course Challenges Reflecting Emotional Strain

McIlroy entered weekend play six strokes over par following opening rounds of 74 and 72. A third round matching his initial score (74) caused him to slip further down the leaderboard. When briefly addressing reporters, he admitted feeling frustrated by his performance.

“The earlier driver issue definitely influenced my choice not to do media,” McIlroy explained. “I also skipped interviews on Thursday at Augusta; it’s something I’ve done before but now more often.”

A Stand for Control Over Media Interaction

When asked about his ongoing reluctance toward mandatory media duties, McIlroy stated firmly: “I believe I’ve earned the right to manage my own interactions however I see fit.”

“This isn’t about challenging anyone or demanding changes,” he added regarding current PGA Tour policies that don’t require players’ participation in press sessions. “It remains a privilege we hold as professional golfers.”

The Hidden Emotional Weight Behind Closed Doors

A former Ryder Cup captain and golf analyst noted concerns about Rory’s demeanor off-camera:

“Rory appears unlike himself-more frustrated and emotionally drained than usual,” says one expert.“Achieving a Grand Slam is monumental but can leave you emotionally vulnerable afterward.”

“There seems to be something deeper affecting him beyond what we typically observe,” the commentator concluded.

Lack of Drive after reaching Career Peak

The 36-year-old has openly acknowledged struggling with motivation since securing his Grand Slam title. His recent performances reflect these challenges: finishing tied for 47th at the PGA Championship followed by missing cuts such as last month’s RBC Canadian Open.

• A difficult Friday start included two double bogeys within just three holes;
• A couple of late birdies where necessary merely to survive past the cut line;
• This sequence raised concerns over potential consecutive missed cuts for one of golf’s leading figures.

Mental Adjustments Amid Competitive Pressures

Candidly reflecting on how winning affected him mentally weeks later, Rory shared:

“It was tough knowing how I’d respond after achieving something I’d dreamed about since childhood.”

“Sometimes being indifferent about making cuts actually reduces pressure-it makes playing easier because you’re less tense about outcomes.”

Navigating Oakmont’s Demanding Terrain with Patience

This week requires patience due to Oakmont’s notoriously challenging course design-where frustration can quickly build if shots don’t go your way. Even though Rory noted improvements in driving accuracy (“I’ve driven better than I have in years”), overall performance hasn’t met expectations so far.
He hopes simply “to finish rounds quicker” and leave Oakmont without further disappointment.
His previous six appearances hear included multiple top-ten finishes along with back-to-back runner-up placements-but those streaks seem unlikely given current form.

The Path Forward Beyond This Major Championship

• this season highlights both remarkable highs (career Grand slam) & difficult lows (recent struggles);
• McilRoy continues balancing public scrutiny while prioritizing personal well-being;
• Spectators await whether renewed focus will ignite a resurgence before year-end;
• PGA Tour policies may evolve concerning player-media relations amid shifting athlete preferences.