Rory McIlroy has defended his decision to skip media duties, declaring he has "earned the right to do whatever I want" after facing criticism for avoiding journalists at recent tournaments.
The Masters champion did not speak to reporters after any of his four rounds at the US PGA Championship, citing tiredness, poor play and frustration over reports his driver had failed a legality test.
When he finally broke his silence at the US Open, the 36-year-old stood firm on his position, insisting professional golfers are "well within our rights" to snub interviews.
"I'm not a journalist. I don't know. Report the birdies and bogeys, I guess. And obviously you have to - the storylines sort of write themselves for the most part," he said when asked for his current position on the matter.
Rory McIlroy did not speak to the press amid his frustrating performance at the PGA Championship
Getty
"But yeah, I certainly see the need for it and see the need for the platform."
McIlroy warned that players will continue declining media requests whilst it remains voluntary, describing the relationship as a "two-way street".
"If they [golf officials] want to make it mandatory that's fine, but in our rules it says it's not and until the day when it's maybe written into regulations, you're going to have guys skip from time to time and that's well within our rights," McIlroy stated.
"We could all bypass you guys and we could just go on our phones and go on social media and we could talk about our round and do it our own way.
JUST IN: Tesco forced to issue apology to Wales after making 'deeply offensive' blunder
Rory McIlroy warned that players could 'bypass' the press
Getty
"We understand that's not ideal for you guys and there's a bigger dynamic at play here. I talk to the media a lot and I think there should be an understanding that this is a two-way street.
'We understand the benefit that comes from you being here. But I've been beating this drum for a long time.
"If they [golf officials] want to make it mandatory that's fine, but in our rules it says it's not and until the day when it's maybe written into regulations, you're going to have guys skip from time to time and that's well within our rights."
READ MORE: Liverpool 'agree £40m fee' for third summer signing after Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong deals
Despite his media controversy, McIlroy appeared content to engage with journalists after posting an impressive six-under-par 64 in Thursday's opening round at the Travelers Championship.
The Northern Irishman completed his first round without dropping a shot, leaving him tied for third place at TPC River Highlands.
He finished two strokes behind leaders Scottie Scheffler and Austin Ekroat, who both carded eight-under rounds.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
- Premier League fines Manchester City for continuously breaking rules
- Ronnie O'Sullivan back with long-term girlfriend Laila Rouass as pair plan move to Middle East
- Liverpool star snubbed in PFA Players' Player of the Year shortlist despite brilliant form
In the ongoing Travelers Championship, ory McIlroy completed his first round without dropping a shot
Getty
McIlroy is scheduled to begin his second round at 6:45pm UK time on Friday, looking to close the gap on the leaders at the low-scoring Connecticut course.
The tournament holds special memories for McIlroy, who achieved his first-ever PGA Tour hole-in-one at the 2023 Travelers Championship.
Playing the par-three eighth hole two years ago, McIlroy struck a perfect five-iron from 215 yards that landed short before rolling directly into the cup.
"As hole-in-ones go, I've had them in the past where it has been an okay shot and you get a little lucky. That was the best shot of the day that I hit," McIlroy said at the time.
The ace helped spark his round after he had bogeyed two holes earlier, though he eventually finished tied seventh that year, eight strokes behind winner Keegan Bradley.
Most Read
