Rory McIlroy Defends Media Silence After PGA Championship Driver Leak, Targets Canadian Open Win

Rory McIlroy, fresh off his career grand slam at The Masters, stirred the pot at the RBC Canadian Open, addressing his media blackout during last month’s PGA Championship. The golf superstar admitted he was "pretty ticked off" after news leaked that his driver was deemed nonconforming before the tournament. The leak, which McIlroy claims came from two media members, overshadowed his T-47th finish at Quail Hollow Club.

The plot thickened when McIlroy revealed he was protecting not just himself but also Scottie Scheffler, whose driver also failed pre-tournament testing. Scheffler, however, powered through to an 11-under-par victory, clinching the PGA Championship. McIlroy’s silence wasn’t just a tantrum—he was shielding Scheffler, TaylorMade, the USGA, and the PGA of America from the controversy.

"I didn’t want to say something I’d regret," McIlroy explained, defending his right to skip press conferences. Unlike other major sports, the PGA Tour doesn’t mandate media interactions, and McIlroy made it clear he’s fine with that. "We could all bypass you guys and go straight to social media," he quipped, hinting at the power players hold in today’s digital age.

Now, as McIlroy tees off at TPC Toronto for the Canadian Open, he’s chasing his fourth PGA Tour win this season. A victory here could set the stage for a strong showing at the upcoming U.S. Open at Oakmont. Will McIlroy’s driver drama fuel his fire or fade into the rough? Only time will tell.