Overview

• McIlroy skipped his first two U.S. Open press conferences before speaking to reporters on Saturday, attributing his absence to growing frustration with media coverage
• He described his Oakmont performance as “pretty average” after a third-round 74 left him 10-over par and questioned whether he even wanted to play the weekend
• Since completing the career Grand Slam at the Masters, McIlroy has admitted to a lack of motivation that has translated into uneven results in majors and on tour
• He pointed to the PGA Championship driver controversy, when his equipment was ruled non-conforming, as one source of his recent irritation
• Former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley has urged that top players be required to engage with the media to help sustain the sport’s growth