Paige Spiranac has stepped up to support Rory McIlroy following his challenging performance at the US Open over the weekend.
On Sunday, the 32-year-old golf influencer expressed her thoughts on the current Masters champion, who has been somewhat distant from the press lately.
“This might not be a popular take, but if he doesn’t want to, he doesn’t have to speak to the media. It’s not essential,” Spiranac stated. After meeting the media at Oakmont, McIlroy found himself tied for 19th place with a score of seven-over par.
“It’s all rather unclear, and none of us really knows everything, so I think we shouldn’t blow it out of proportion,” she added.
McIlroy, who just two months ago secured a golf grand slam with his Masters win in April, faced the media after carding a 4-over 74 in the opening round at the Pittsburgh course on Thursday.
Two days later, he finally spoke with reporters and admitted he “feels a little flat” since reaching the pinnacle of his career, sharing some frustration with the media.
“I’ve been open and available for years, but maybe—I don’t know—perhaps not everyone appreciates it,” he remarked.
During the major at Quazlo Hollow, McIlroy did not engage with the media, choosing instead to stay quiet about his driver issues before last month’s PGA Championship.
“I think I’ve earned the right to do what I want,” he said on Saturday.
While his weekend at Oakmont didn’t go as planned—where JJ Spaun claimed his first major title—McIlroy remains motivated to tackle the upcoming season’s final major back home.
The 2025 Open Championship kicks off on July 17th at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland.
“I conquered Everest in April. After something like that, you definitely need to find another challenge,” McIlroy stated. “Starting at Portrush is certainly one of those.”
He claimed his last Open title in 2014 at Royal Liverpool Golf Club in the UK.
