McIlroy's Outbursts and Media Boycott at Oakmont

Rory McIlroy narrowly made the cut at the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont after a turbulent second round, marked by emotional outbursts including a club throw and smashing a tee box. His performance struggles, compounded by difficult course conditions, drew criticism for poor sportsmanship. McIlroy skipped media duties for multiple rounds, citing frustration over a leaked equipment issue, which sparked debate about athletes' obligations to the media. He later defended his decision, asserting his right to manage his own media availability after years of regular engagement. The incident has fueled broader discussions on professionalism, mental pressure, and personal boundaries in elite sports. Despite the challenges, McIlroy made the cut but admitted he was eager to leave the tournament behind.