During the final four holes of the Masters, McIlroy’s brilliant opening unraveled right before everyone’s eyes. Cruising smoothly, McIlroy seemed to have channeled the inner peace at Augusta well. It appeared to be another strong round from the Northern Irishman, but the 15th hole (Firethorn) is a 550-yard 5-par menace, and McIlroy faced the full brunt of it and some more.
Rory McIlroy’s round was all good for the first 12 (or even 14) holes. This derailed with two costly double bogeys. So, at the par-5 Firethorn, his chip from just beyond the green rolled back into the water, leading to a penalty and a double. Then, at the par-4 Nandina, a misread on the green caused a three-putt for another double. His under-par score vanished, leaving him at even par. Chasing a career Grand Slam at Augusta, McIlroy headed straight to the range, skipping media interviews.
Skipping the round with the press is a huge deal considering Rory’s comments on media availability. After Collin Morikawa openly avoided the media by skipping the press conferences during the PLAYERS Championship this year, McIlroy had defended the American golfer. Athletes of other sports are obliged to provide media bites, not golfers. Without any compulsion put forth by the PGA Tour, the media can “expect guys to do that from time to time.” Rory McIlroy stated.
Was standing right there when Rory hit the chip on 15, which sounded off on contact. Crowd couldn’t believe it. After he finished the hole, he kept looking back at the green in frustration.
He also just skipped media availability and, I believe, went straight to the range
— Paolo Uggetti (@PaoloUggetti) April 10, 2025
The Northern Irish golfer’s response was met with criticism, drawing comparisons to the legends of the game. “I got to say one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen covering tournaments was the 2006 US Open, Phil Mickelson loses the most gut-wrenching at Wingfoot that you could ever lose, and he goes out there and talks ‘I’m such an idiot.’” stated Alex Myers, a golf writer, as an ideal approach to dealing with the press. Like Phil Mickelson, even Tiger Woods was brave in front of the press.
“Look at Tiger Woods and what he did, and that is to realize that we, as the media, again, are an extension of the fans and that you owe something to them… That’s a really good pull,” golf insider Ryan Lavner had stated. Despite the constant media scrutiny, Tiger Woods has made time for the media. Jack Nicklaus also felt that the criticism from the media had been a psychological hurdle for the 28-time PGA Tour winner.
Jack Nicklaus has been a huge supporter of Rory McIlroy and had fully expected the four-time Major winner to be a major contender at Augusta this year. However, the all-time great had one criticism of Rory, which is ringing true now.
Jack Nicklaus’s words ring true for Rory McIlroy
“I only have one criticism of Rory. You have to concentrate 100% of the time. For some reason, Rory always has a little bit of a lapse somewhere around the tournament. He’ll find a double bogey or triple bogey that sneaks in there. I don’t know how he does it or why, but it happens.” Nicklaus stated, seemingly seeing the pattern from Rory’s side from the better vantage point of experience and knowledge.
Remember Augusta in 2011? Rory McIlroy was cruising to victory at his first Masters, before an unbelievable choke job on the last day, where he recorded a disappointing eight-over par, finishing with 4-over par on T15.
“Last year at Pinehurst, you know, he had a little short putt at 16 that he wouldn’t miss one in a thousand times. But he did it. And then missed another one at 18.” Nicklaus further added. He was referring to the unfortunate incident during the 2024 US Open. Despite many criticisms, right before the Masters, Shane Lowry also backed up Rory’s and his caddie’s recent media avoidance, calling out “stupid podcasts” for “everything Rory does is scrutinised.”
But Rory McIlroy fights back. That has been evident this season on the PGA Tour. The question is, can he do it at Augusta A place where he has slipped up numerous times in the past.
The post Contrary to Phil Mickelson, Rory McIlroy Makes Contempt Clear for Journalists After Poor Masters Round appeared first on EssentiallySports.
