Paige Spiranac gives her opinion on Rory McIlroy’s controversial remarks on media

During the US Open at Oakmont, Rory McIlroy skipped post-round interviews following his second round. As a result, he has faced criticism from golf enthusiasts. Paige Spiranac has come to the defense of McIlroy.

Spiranac replied to NUCLR GOLF's post on X on June 15. She penned a message supporting McIlroy's decision to not talk to the media. NUCLR GOLF's post read:

"Rory McIlroy just explained why he has been declining media requests lately and said he didn’t care if he made the cut or not: “It's more a frustration with you guys”. Went on to say: “I feel like I've earned the right to do whatever I want to do” when it comes to speaking."

In response, Spiranac wrote:

"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 not all pile on."

After declining to speak to reporters at the PGA Championship and the first two rounds at Oakmont, Rory McIlroy finally addressed the press on Saturday (June 14). With that, let's look at the Northern Irishman's performance at the US Open.

Rory McIlroy's third-round performance at the 2025 US Open

Rory McIlroy's bid for a fifth major title took another hit on Saturday (June 14) as he carded a 4-over 74 in the third round of the 2025 US Open. That brings his 54-hole total to 10-over-par, tying for 50th heading into the final round.

The Northern Irishman opened the tournament with a 74 and followed it up with a 72 on Friday. Here's a hole-by-hole score of McIlroy's third round:

Front Nine:

• Hole 1 (Par 4) – 4
• Hole 2 (Par 4) – 4
• Hole 3 (Par 4) – 5 (bogey)
• Hole 4 (Par 5) – 5
• Hole 5 (Par 4) – 4
• Hole 6 (Par 3) – 3
• Hole 7 (Par 4) – 4
• Hole 8 (Par 3) – 3
• Hole 9 (Par 4) – 5 (bogey)

Total: 37 (+2)

Back Nine:

• Hole 10 (Par 4) – 3 (birdie)
• Hole 11 (Par 4) – 5 (bogey)
• Hole 12 (Par 5) – 5
• Hole 13 (Par 3) – 3
• Hole 14 (Par 4) – 5 (bogey)
• Hole 15 (Par 4) – 4
• Hole 16 (Par 3) – 4 (bogey)
• Hole 17 (Par 4) – 3 (birdie)
• Hole 18 (Par 4) – 5 (bogey)

Total: 37 (+2)

Round 3 Total: 74 (+4)