Rory McIlroy had plenty reason to be peeved. He had just blown his chance to beat Tiger Woods at the WGC-Match Play in Texas. He had all the momentum and just a couple swings killed his chances. So he blew off the media.
Just moments after his 2&1 loss to Woods, McIlroy passed on a post-match interview request from reporters at Austin Country Club. It was an abnormal move, not only for McIlroy but for most Tour players. As an example, Woods almost religiously speaks following every performance, win or lose.
McIlroy elected for a quicker exit from the course but, just as quickly, he apologized for it. In an Instagram post tagged from the location of “Austin-Bergstrom International Airport,” McIlroy detailed how he was disappointed with how the match ended. Despite that, he said, “I showed real patience and persistence to claw a couple of holes back on the back 9, then squandered a great opportunity to get back to all square on 16.”
There’s no lie in McIlroy’s post. He definitely squandered the momentum he had built up. Did he squander any favor he has built up with golf media? Perhaps some, but McIlroy is often lauded for being one of the best quotes and most media-savvy players on the PGA Tour. You can see exactly that in the apology itself.
For now, though, this is the last we’ll see of him before the Masters. McIlroy’s note ended with “See everyone at Augusta,” and a pair of emojis. He will once again try to win the final leg of the career grand slam at Augusta National in just 12 days.
