Rory McIlroy REFUSING to Speak to Media During Entire 2025 PGA Championship Does Not Sit Well with Fans: “A Petulant Child”
After his driver was found to be 'non-conforming,' Rory McIlroy refused to speak to the media on all four days of the PGA Championship.

Rory McIlroy (Image via Imago)
Rory McIlroy has once again found himself in hot water. The 5-time major champion refused to speak to the media during the entire PGA Championship this week. This was something that was not received well by the fans on social media.
A month ago, the majority of the golf fans were cheering on for McIlroy as the Northern Irish golfer completed the career grand slam by winning the Masters at the Augusta National. Now, he has once again found himself facing the wrath of fans.
Before the start of the event, McIlroy’s driver was deemed non-conforming by the PGA Tour. As a result of this random testing, McIlroy was forced to use an alternative driver from his bag. This new equipment did seemed to have had a huge effect in his game.
At the Quail Hollow course, where he has won 4 times in the past, including last year, McIlroy had a tough time. The 2025 Masters Champion carded scores of 74, 69, 72 and 72 and finished T47 for the event.
After every round, McIlroy refused to speak to the media. On all four days, he declined answering any questions and headed straight out of the course once his day was over.
🚨🤫🏌️ JUST IN: Rory McIlroy has elected to decline media requests for the fourth day in a row. The decision comes following his driver being found to be non-conforming on Tuesday. The 5-time major champion finished the tournament at 3 over par, shooting rounds of 74,69, 72, 72. pic.twitter.com/C6thsD4fdz
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) May 18, 2025
This is not the first time a player has refused to speak to the media after a round of golf. Last week, Shane Lowry did the same after suffering a heartbreaking defeat.
2-time major Collin Morikawa also did that after losing the Arnold Palmer Invitational. On that occasion, McIlroy backed Morikawa and claimed that they are not “obliged” to speak to the reporters, unlike the other sporting league stars.
Fans slam Rory McIlroy as 5-time major champion declines speaking to media
After his driver was found to be non-conforming, Rory McIlroy decided to skip the post-round media interviews. For 4 days straight, the 36-year-old declined attending any interviews and refused to speak, leading to wild reactions across social media.

Fans on X were not impressed with this behavior from the former World No.1. Many called him out while some suspecting that he used this same non-conforming driver during the triumph at the Masters a month ago. One user wrote, ‘A petulant child” while reacting to this development.
Check out that and some other fan reactions from X below:
Really surprised the PGA doesn’t mandate it like other sports. Not sure how anyone can like this guy – he is like a petulant child. Only willing to talk when things go his way.
— Hawks88 (@Saints9393) May 18, 2025
Back to not liking the guy again. Just not admirable of him.
— Ethan (@ethanlculver) May 18, 2025
He knows the question is coming. He can’t dodge it.
— Benjamin Way (@BWay124) May 18, 2025
“Did you use that driver at Augusta? For how long has it been the stick?” An the asterisk is coming from Rory haters.
He is not making it easy for the PGA PR machine to make him the next golden boy and I'm here for it. Douchebag!
— Crypt Opp (@OppCrypt) May 18, 2025
And just a few weeks ago the whole golf world was bowing to him. 🙄🙄🙄
— David Stabenaw (@stabmarine) May 18, 2025
McToolroy is a snowflake.
— 19bXb62 (@1Xb62) May 18, 2025
The standard lately, for him, is that he'll only talk with the media when he plays well.
— QZ (@qz6784) May 18, 2025
Back to cry baby Rory
— Zach Vogel (@ZV91) May 18, 2025
Shocking, Rory is every where when he wins but hides when he loses.
— AP (@canesin7AP) May 18, 2025
So typical from this guy. Handed the Masters on a silver platter and then finally plays a course that makes you think twice before you hit a shot and is a non-factor. Nothing new here.
— Jacob Adams (@jakenadams33) May 18, 2025
Once you sorta start liking this kind of kid, he becomes unlikeable again
— Mike Gamble (@MikeGambleBets) May 18, 2025
Did he steal anyone's phone this time?
What a total entitled child @McIlroyRory
And this punk is supposed to be the face of the PGA? GTFO
McIlroy though was not the only one whose driver was found to be non-conforming. World No.1 Scottie Scheffler, who went on win the whole thing to claim his 3rd major title, admitted that his driver was found to be non-conforming too before the event.
Reporter takes subtle dig at Rory McIlroy for skipping post-round interviews
Rory McIlroy skipping post-round interviews at the PGA Championship became a trending topic of discussion in golf. Several people bashed the current World No.2 for his actions online. A top reporter would take a subtle dig at him during interviews with other top stars.

In a post that has gone viral on X, a user shared a photo of CBS reporter Amanda Balionis speaking to Bryson DeChambeau. During this, Balionis thanks the LIV Golfer for taking out time to speak to them even though he is not forced to do it.
Thank you for taking the time – I know you don’t have to take the time, but we appreciate it.
Amanda with the subtle dig at Rory:
— Brock 💣 (@Golfingbrock) May 18, 2025
“We appreciate the time. You don’t have to take the time so we really appreciate it.” pic.twitter.com/W2ppCRTIBt
On Instagram, the CBS reporter would take another jab at McIlroy. In her Instagram stories, she shared two images of herself, one with Jon Rahm and the other with DeChambeau, and thanked them for taking their time and speaking with her.
Appreciate these two for taking the time to talk after a gutting loss. Simply a reminder that no one is obligated to talk, it’s a choice. And to bring us in after coming so close to a career accomplishment is awesome for the viewer.

Rahm and DeChambeau were both in contention in the final round. In the end, Rahm finished T8 while his LIV Golf league mate recorded another runner-up finish in this event.
Also Read:
- Rory McIlroy Unfazed by 2x Major Champion’s ‘Scary’ Remark Following Masters Win
- Rory McIlroy Makes Candid Remark on His Game After Distancing Himself from Golf Politics