Controversy Surrounding Rory McIlroy's Comments at US Open Divides Golf Fans

Rory McIlroy's post-third round remarks at the US Open at Oakmont on Saturday didn't sit well with a significant number of golf fans. After foregoing media engagements following the first two rounds this week, McIlroy's Remarks

On the heels of a vexing performance in Pennsylvania, the Masters champion was candid in his address. In addition to expressing that he doubted whether he even desired to compete in the final two rounds when struggling to make the cut on Friday, McIlroy also professed that he has "earned the right" to choose when to talk to the media. Mixed Reactions

Nonetheless, many golf fans viewing from their homes were not taken by his viewpoint, with some resorting to social media to deem the Northern Irishman's attitude as "arrogant". Another branded him a "Complete loser" while yet another commented, "So unlikable." While critiquing McIlroy's interaction with the media drew some flak, there was also a faction that appeared to defend him. Defending the Golfer

A backer stated: "I'm not even a huge fan of Rory but people need to give this dude a break. "He doesn't have to prove anything to anyone. He's one a few players alive with a grand slam in his pocket. Let the man be," said one fan, reports the Mirror US. Recent Incident and Future Outlook

Last month's PGA Championship at Quail Hollow saw the European Ryder Cup star also refrain from speaking to the media after all four rounds. This was following reports that McIlroy's driver face had not passed a USGA check, leading to an eleventh-hour club swap right before the season's second major. Fresh off a major, when queried about whether the narrative around his non-conforming driver influenced his silence with the press, McIlroy admitted: "I mean, that was a part of it. Yeah, that was a part of it. "But it's not as if -- like at Augusta, I skipped you guys on Thursday, so yeah, again, it's not as if it's not out of the ordinary. I've done it before; I'm just doing it a little more often." Moving Forward

Oakmont's unforgiving conditions have indeed made it a challenging week for McIlroy, catching many top golfers off-guard. On Friday, McIlroy had to sink two late birdies to scrape through above the cut line. His comments on Saturday drew attention when he said: "It's funny, like it's much easier being on the cut line when you don't really care if you're here for the weekend or not. I was sort of thinking, do I really want two more days here or not. So it makes it easier to play better when you're in that mindset." McIlroy seems ready to move on from this week's major, eyeing a swift departure come Sunday. "Hopefully a round in under four and a half hours and get out of here," said the world No. 2, commenting on his upcoming final round. With an early tee time and a score of 10-over for the championship, McIlroy has just 18 holes remaining.