Roy Keane changes opinion on Rory McIlroy following golfing star's Masters success

Lewis Henderson
Thu, 16 Apr 2026 11:29:30 +0000

Roy Keane has changed his opinion on Rory McIlroy following the golfing star's Masters success.

The Grand Slam champion claimed his sixth major title over the weekend, holding off world number one Scottie Scheffler by a single stroke, finishing on 12-under par after a nail-biting final round.

The Northern Irishman became the first golfer since Tiger Woods in 2002 to successfully defend the green jacket.

Keane has weighed in on McIlroy's victory, having been critical about the golfer in the past.

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Sharing his thoughts on the Masters champion's performance, the Manchester United legend said: "Absolutely brilliant. You know what, I watched most of it, I really enjoyed it. I said to Wrighty on Friday."

Interjecting on Keane's comments, Ian Wright stated: "He said to me: 'It's over,' on the Friday. Honestly, starting all that bo*****s with me again."

Keane enthusiastically responded: "But was I right?"

The Irishman was previously critical of McIlroy following the disruption he and Team Europe suffered from American fans at last year's Ryder Cup.

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Keane previously said: "So, you tell me. I'm no expert in golf - I don't play but I watch the sport.

"You're saying the pressure on these players because some people were shouting? Become a footballer and go to Leeds or Anfield on a Tuesday night, let me tell you. These guys play in big tournaments every week. All of a sudden, they're going to be upset by a few Yanks?

"You've got McIlroy, McIlroy's won all the big prizes. Do you think he's going to be upset by a few people? It's ridiculous.

"Of course, they [knew abuse was coming]. They've built it up for the last six months: 'Wait till you come to America.' Of course, they knew they were going to get abused."

He continued: "And then they get upset because of their partners...let me tell you what I would say to my partner.

"If I was a golfer, and my partner was getting abuse, I'd say to my partner, or my wife, or my girlfriend: 'Just stay in the hotel, love. I'll see you tonight when I get back.

"You don't come to the other tournaments, but guess what? You get a new outfit and come to the Ryder Cup.'

"You've got a new outfit, a new belt, and then I'm getting loads of stick? Well, go home. I guarantee you they're going back to a nice hotel, they're not in a camp, in a tent."

Keane's criticism carried a joking tone at times, but it was clear he had no patience for complaints regarding the atmosphere.

McIlroy previously gifted the Overlap panel with a pin flag from his first Masters triumph.

The group floated the idea of a second present from the golfing star after he claimed his second green jacket.

Keane joked: "Are we gonna get another flag off him?"