McIlroy explains media absence, says he was ‘pretty annoyed’ by driver leak
Rory McIlroy has opened up about why he stayed silent during last month’s US PGA Championship, revealing he was “pretty annoyed” that news of his driver failing a technical test was leaked before the event. Two days before the tournament, his club was removed from play after it was found to have exceeded the legal limit for what’s known as the “trampoline effect” a term used when a clubface becomes too springy and provides extra bounce. Though such failures are meant to stay private with no fault placed on the player, McIlroy’s situation went public just before the event began. Ironically, Scottie Scheffler’s driver also failed the same test, but that didn’t become public until he mentioned it himself after winning the tournament.
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Why Rory Stayed Silent During the PGA
McIlroy, who typically engages with the media, chose not to speak at all throughout the four days of the PGA and quietly left Quail Hollow after finishing tied for 47th. Speaking for the first time since then, ahead of the RBC Canadian Open, the Northern Irish golfer explained that he was angry his failed driver test was leaked while Scheffler’s was kept under wraps. “I knew Scottie’s driver failed, but mine was the only one leaked,” McIlroy said. “It was supposed to be confidential. Two media members let it slip, and I didn’t want to say anything I’d regret. I was trying to protect Scottie, TaylorMade, the USGA, PGA of America, and myself.”
The Mental Toll and Media Pressure
McIlroy shared that a combination of factors his disappointing opening round, wanting to spend time with his daughter, and general frustration led him to opt out of media appearances. “I just wanted to go home, especially after the late tee times,” he said. “By Sunday, I was just ready to fly back to Florida.”
Resetting After the Grand Slam
Having achieved his long-pursued career Grand Slam by winning at Augusta, McIlroy now admits that his motivation has shifted. “After you reach a goal you’ve worked toward for so long, it’s tough to find that same drive,” he confessed. The past two weeks, however, have given him space to reassess. “It’s been good to reset, figure out where I’m at mentally, what I want, and where I want to compete next,” he said. For McIlroy, the goal now is about realigning his mindset and finding new motivation moving forward.
