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Rory McIlroy hasn’t had the post-Grand Slam run he would have envisioned, and his struggles have followed him into this U.S. Open.
The Masters champion had to battle to make the cut at Oakmont on Friday, but he never found a rhythm during the third round. In the end, McIlroy signed for a 4-over 74 on Saturday and sits at 10-over par for the tournament.
For all of the noise surrounding McIlroy’s play on the course this season, there has been equally as much attention paid to what’s been happening off the course.
Between McIlroy’s driver controversy and his proclivity to skip media after rounds at the last two majors, there has been plenty to talk about regarding the World No. 2.
He did choose to speak to the media after his round on Saturday, and he touched on the reason for skipping so many press sessions lately.
“It’s more a frustration with you guys,” McIlroy said bluntly.
“I feel like I’ve earned the right to do whatever I want to do,” he added shortly after.
McIlroy revealed that the driver controversy is part of what put him off to the media in the first place. Before the PGA Championship, where he finished T-47, McIlroy’s driver was deemed “non-conforming” and ineligible for competition.
He replaced the driver just before the tournament, but has not been able to find a good rhythm since.
Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images
Following the PGA Championship, McIlroy expressed frustration with the fact that the results of his driver test were leaked while other players’ results were kept confidential.
Saturday was the first time McIlroy spoke to the media after a round at a major since winning The Masters back at April. However, he didn’t seem too enthused about the prospect of speaking after his final round on Sunday.
“Hopefully a round in under four and a half hours and get out of here,” he said of his goal for the final round.
That doesn’t sound like someone who will be sticking around long after walking off the 18th green on Sunday.
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