Rory McIlroy Facing Backlash for What He Did After Brutal Collapse at the Masters
In the days leading up to the Masters, Rory McIlroy was asked about Collin Morikawa's decision to skip media availability after blowing the lead at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
“Rory, Collin Morikawa caught some criticism at the Players for saying he owes the media nothing for having left Bay Hill early. You obviously caught some heat after doing that at Pinehurst," a reporter stated. "The conversation after something like that in comparison to other professional athletes, golfers can be a little more sensitive. I’m wondering if you think that’s a fair or unfair assessment."
McIlroy admitted Morikawa could have worded his statement a bit better, but in the end he's right - there's no need to speak with the media.
“Well, he’s right,” McIlroy said. “Not that I think he could have worded it a little bit better, but look, every other athlete, whether it be in the NBA, NFL, they’re obligated to speak to you guys after a game. We’re not. Whether that’s something that the PGA Tour looks to in terms of putting that into their rules and regulations, but as long as that’s not the case and we have that option to opt out whenever we want, expect guys to do that from time to time.”
The man chasing the grand slam at Augusta this weekend put his words into practice following Thursday's round. McIlroy looked to be in serious contention for the first round lead sitting at four-under through 14 and just three shots off the lead.
After crushing a drive right down the middle of the fairway on the Par 5 15th, he looked to be in command of his round, but that's where it all went wrong. After his approach skipped off the surface of the green, McIlroy sent his third shot into the water and eventually settled for a double bogey, dropping him to two-under.
He finished his round with another double bogey and two pars to send him to an even par, 72 finish. Following his round, McIlroy opted not to speak with the media - a decision that led to plenty of backlash on social media.
"He should’ve opted for chipping practice instead," one fan suggested for McIlroy.
"Good reason to not root for him," offered another.
"So wait. He wants to do plenty of interviews during the good but none during the bad? I like Rory, but can’t have it both ways," suggested another.
McIlroy tees off in his second round at 9:58 a.m. ET.
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