Radio host Dan Patrick has taken aim at Rory McIlroy's continued avoidance of media obligations following his Masters victory and career Grand Slam achievement.
Speaking on his radio show, Patrick expressed disappointment that McIlroy maintains his reluctance to engage with press conferences.
"I still think he's such a good interview and he cares so much, I wish that he would meet with the media," Patrick said.
"I know it's tough go in there and have somebody filet you because you didn't play well. But look, you won the career Grand Slam. You're on scholarship."
Patrick believes McIlroy's media avoidance undermines his standing in golf despite his historic accomplishment.
The radio host highlighted how rapidly public perception of McIlroy has shifted. "All of a sudden, did America turn on Rory McIlroy? Everyone wanted him to win the career Grand Slam, he wins at the Masters, then all of a sudden, it's like, 'Ahhh, Rory,'" Patrick said.
Rory McIlroy wasn't at his best during the US OpenGETTYHe noted the stark contrast between the widespread support McIlroy enjoyed during his Grand Slam pursuit at Augusta and the current frustration over his media stance. "I don't want to meet with the media.' He's evading. Oh, he's struggling. That happened quickly. It's like, all of a sudden, you pile on Rory," Patrick observed.
The host suggested McIlroy's behaviour has created unnecessary negativity around his achievements.
JUST IN: David Coote hit with two FA charges after Jurgen Klopp rant that ended refereeing career
Patrick suggested McIlroy missed an opportunity to become golf's leading ambassador after his Masters triumph.
"He held on for dear life to win the Masters. Dear life. It was painful to watch. And now, you kind of thought, 'Man, that's lifted. Go out and play,'" Patrick said.
The radio host drew comparisons to Phil Mickelson's former role in the sport. "You could pick up the baton and be the Phil Mickelson that Phil Mickelson should have been before he went to LIV. You can be that golf ambassador," Patrick said.
READ MORE: Novak Djokovic, 38, drops huge retirement update as Wimbledon looms
Dan Patrick has been disappointed in what he has seen from the Briton in recent months
The Dan Patrick Show
Instead, Patrick sees other players stepping into that leadership vacuum. "Now it feels like (Bryson) DeChambeau wants to be that," he noted.
Patrick emphasised that media availability comes with professional sports territory. "It goes along with the territory," Patrick said. "All of these athletes, I think you owe it to the public to speak to the media. How long you speak or what you say, that's up to you."
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
He acknowledged the difficulty of facing reporters after poor performances but stressed the importance of fan engagement.
"But I do think that they support you, they're out there, they're fans of you, they want to hear. Good and bad," Patrick said.
Rory McIlroy has struggled for form since his Masters win
ReutersThe radio host warned that avoiding press conferences often backfires.
Patrick explained that constantly dodging media availabilities can worsen the narrative, making an athlete's excuses and attitude the story rather than forgettable standard responses they could provide in a brief press conference.
Most Read
