Overview

• He skipped post-round interviews at both the PGA Championship and the U.S. Open after a leak about his non-conforming driver sparked his frustration with the press.
• At TPC River Highlands he carded a bogey-free, six-under opening round, marking a rebound from his US Open struggles.
• He said athletes now have direct lines to fans through social media and can choose when to engage traditional outlets.
• Social media personality Paige Spiranac defended his decision to decline interviews while analysts Brandel Chamblee, Dan Patrick and Paul McGinley cautioned that media avoidance could damage his image.
• He argued that until the PGA Tour makes media duties mandatory, golfers remain within their rights to skip interviews under current rules.