**Rory McIlroy Explains Media Absence at PGA Championship**
Rory McIlroy has shed light on his decision to skip media sessions during the PGA Championship last month. Speaking to reporters at the RBC Canadian Open, McIlroy expressed his frustration after discovering that his driver was deemed nonconforming and unusable following pre-tournament testing. He did not engage with the media throughout his four rounds at Quail Hollow Club, where he finished with a score of 3-over, placing T-47th.
“I was a little pissed off because I knew that Scottie’s driver had failed on Monday, but my name was the one that was leaked,” McIlroy stated during a press conference, as reported by The New York Post. “It was supposed to stay confidential. Two members of the media were the ones that leaked it.”
Scottie Scheffler, who won the PGA Championship—his first major victory outside of his two Masters titles—also faced issues with a nonconforming driver but managed to finish at 11-under-par. While Scheffler’s situation remained confidential at the time, McIlroy’s was reported by SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio during the tournament week.
“I didn’t want to get up there and say something that I regretted either, because I’m trying to protect Scottie. I don’t want to mention his name. I’m trying to protect TaylorMade, I’m trying to protect the USGA, PGA of America, and myself,” McIlroy added.
Unlike other major sports leagues, the PGA Tour does not mandate players to speak to the media. McIlroy acknowledged the importance of media coverage but emphasized that players have the right to bypass media interactions if they choose. “If we all wanted to, we could all bypass you guys, and we could go on social media and we could talk about our round and do it our own way,” he remarked. “If they want to make it mandatory, that’s fine. But in our rules, it says that it’s not, and until the day that’s written into the regulations, you’re going to have guys skip from time to time, and that’s well within our rights.”
This year, McIlroy completed the career grand slam with a victory at The Masters and is now aiming for his fourth win of the PGA Tour season at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley this week. A win would provide significant momentum heading into the U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club next week.
**FAQ**
**Why did Rory McIlroy skip media sessions at the PGA Championship?**
Rory McIlroy skipped media sessions due to frustration over his driver being deemed nonconforming, which he felt was leaked to the media despite being confidential.
