Masters champion Rory McIlroy struggled at the U.S. Open last week, wearing his emotions on his sleeve as the testing conditions at Oakmont Country Club got the better of him
Paige Spiranac defended Rory McIlroy’s actions(Image: Ben Jared, PGA TOURvia Getty Images)
Paige Spiranac stepped up to defend Rory McIlroy as he let off steam at the U.S. Open.
The 36-year-old showed signs of frustration during Friday’s round at Oakmont Country Club, notably when he destroyed a tee-box marker after a disappointing drive on the 17th hole. In another instance of visible irritation, McIlroy threw his wedge, which then ricocheted off his bag and spiraled back toward him, though he managed to catch it, narrowly avoiding further embarrassment.
While McIlroy’s actions at Oakmont drew criticism from some spectators, social media personality Spiranac demonstrated her support over his fiery display, expressing admiration for his quick reflexes in catching the errant club. Sharing a video clip of the incident online, she wrote: “I’m sure people are going to be mad at him for throwing a club but 1. We’ve all been there and have thrown a golf club 2. This was sick.”
Despite Spiranac’s defense, not everyone agreed with her take on McIlroy’s conduct. One person wrote: “Actually I have never thrown a club in disgust or anger. The one thing you can control is your emotions and your response to life’s challenges. In every profession there are going to be good and bad times and it is how you handle each that defines your character.”
Meanwhile, another added: “Haha even his clubs have had enough of him being a baby,” while a third replied: “He’s lucky he didn’t hit himself in the face. Throwing clubs makes him a danger to anyone around him, and marks him as a complete a–hole.”
It comes after Spiranac recently defended McIlroy’s decision to avoid the press following his underwhelming performance in the first two rounds of the major, reports the Irish Star. She wrote: “Might be an unpopular opinion here, but he doesn’t have to talk to the media if he doesn’t want to.
Content cannot be displayed without consent
“It’s not required. And why would he, when everyone is always analyzing and criticizing his every move. There is clearly something more going on (that) none of us are privy to, so maybe let’s not all pile on.”
It isn’t the first instance of McIlroy shunning media engagements, notably doing so after placing T47 at the PGA Championship. He wasn’t alone in struggling at Oakmont Country Club which ultimately ended in a T19 finish; neither of his playing partners, Justin Rose and Shane Lowry, managed to make the cut for weekend play.
Rose bid farewell with a 14-over-par total on Friday, and Lowry charted a dismal 17-over. Meanwhile, 2024 champion Bryson DeChambeau, PGA regular Justin Thomas and crowd-pleaser Wyndham Clark also failed to make the cut.
Rory McIlroy struggled at Oakmont(Image: AP)
The tough playing conditions at the championship were highlighted when J.J. Spaun claimed victory at the tournament with a score of just one-under to seize his first major career title. Post-win, Spaun told the media: “I never thought I would be here holding this trophy.
“I’ve always had aspirations and dreams but a few months ago I didn’t know what my ceiling was and how good I could be, but I am just proud. I have been resilient in my career and pushed through a lot of things and tried to be the best golfer I could be.
“I was happy to display that today at Oakmont. It was a dream weekend scenario on Father’s Day, to have my two kids here is awesome and a cherry on top of a wonderful weekend.”
Subscribe to our golf newsletter for all the latest news and views from the PGA Tour, LIV Golf and beyond
