Overview

• At Oakmont Country Club, McIlroy missed multiple U.S. Open press conferences before saying he has "done it a little more often" and feels he has earned the right to avoid media duties.
• He responded with a final-round 67 to finish at 7-over par in a tie for 19th after opening rounds of 74, 72 and 74.
• Influencer Paige Spiranac defended his choice on X, arguing that professional golfers are not required to speak to the media and warning against piling on criticism.
• His current stance traces back to supporting Collin Morikawa’s media boycott after the Arnold Palmer Invitational and to his driver being ruled non-conforming at the PGA Championship.
• McIlroy now turns his focus to the Open Championship at Royal Portrush, which begins July 17, and plans to maintain his policy on press access.