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Julio Cesar Valdera Morales is a Newsweek contributor based in Spain. His focus is golf as well as politics and economics. Julio has been with Newsweek since February, 2025 and previously practiced law. Julio earned his Masters Degree at the University of Havana. You can get in touch with Julio by emailing j.morales@newsweek.com.
Julio Cesar Valdera Morales
Contributing Sports Writer
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Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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World No. 2 Rory McIlroy made headlines at the 2025 U.S. Open for more than just his performance. His ongoing dispute with the press continued at the Oakmont Country Club, sparking reactions from across the golf world. One of them was the renowned influencer Paige Spiranac.
The former professional golfer used her X account, which has over one million followers, to share her thoughts on the matter.
“Might be an unpopular opinion here but he [McIlroy] doesn’t have to talk to the media if he doesn’t want to. It’s not required,” she posted.
“And why would he when everyone is always analyzing and criticizing his every move. There is clearly something more going on none of us are privy to so maybe let’s not all pile on.”
Might be an unpopular opinion here but he doesn’t have to talk to the media if he doesn’t want to. 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 none of us are privy to so maybe let’s… https://t.co/fM8teGKlSL
— Paige Spiranac (@PaigeSpiranac) June 15, 2025
McIlroy’s clashes with the golf media began in March when Collin Morikawa refused to comment to the press following the Arnold Palmer Invitational, famously claiming that he “owes nobody anything.”
At the time, McIlroy supported Morikawa, stating that, according to current rules, giving interviews is not mandatory for professional golfers.
The issue resurfaced later, picking up at the PGA Championship. As you may recall, McIlroy’s driver was deemed non-conforming by the USGA, prompting widespread commentary on the matter.
McIlroy decided not to speak with the press throughout the event. His poor performance at the tournament may have also played a role in his decision.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland walks from the third tee during the final round of the 125th U.S. OPEN at Oakmont Country Club on June 15, 2025 in Oakmont, Pennsylvania.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland walks from the third tee during the final round of the 125th U.S. OPEN at Oakmont Country Club on June 15, 2025 in Oakmont, Pennsylvania.
Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images
At the US Open, the issue took center stage again when the Northern Irishman missed several press conferences. However, after the third round, he met with reporters and didn’t hold back about why he had been avoiding them:
“It’s more a frustration with you guys…it’s not out of the ordinary [to miss the pressers]. I’ve done it before; I’m just doing it a little more often.”
“I feel like I’ve earned the right to do whatever I want to do.”
Rory McIlroy redeemed himself at the U.S. Open, firing a final-round 67 after carding 74, 72, and 74 the previous days. His 72-hole score was 7-over, placing him in a tie for 19th.
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