Golf is a famously quiet game, but those historically strict rules about noise apparently don't extend to media availability.
Rory McIlroy has learned that the hard way. He opted not to speak with reporters during the first two days of this year's U.S Open, something he was sternly reminded of when he did speak with the media on the tournament's third day.
McIlroy isn't the only golfer who has been a bit terse with reporters, but he's the only one Paige Spiranac has defended recently. The former pro and current golf influencer came to McIlroy's defense on X this past Sunday after he caught heat for being selective about his media availability.
"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."
Paige Spiranac comes to the defense of Rory McIlroy in his ongoing battle with the media
That's about as spot on as it gets, and it's something that extends beyond just the world of golf. In that world, though, McIlroy isn't alone in being a little standoffish with the media.
Collin Morikawa is another notable pro golfer who fired back at the media back in March for hounding him over access, saying that he knows they have a job to do but doesn't owe anyone anything.
For what it's worth, McIlroy skipped talking to the media the first few days of The Masters earlier this year, a tournament he ended up winning.
McIlroy's ongoing battle with the media is somewhat similar to when former Seattle Seahawks legendary running back Marshawn Lynch famously quipped that he was only speaking to the media prior to Super Bowl XLIX back in 2015 so that he didn't get fined, and it's a sentiment that is clearly shared across sports to this very day.
Spiranac isn't the first person to side with athletes over media members, and she won't be the last. The question is, will this issue continue to fester among the golf community?
For now, it certainly seems like something that isn't going away anytime soon.