Rory McIlroy Unapologetic About Ducking Media After U.S. Open In First Interview Since Collapse At Pinehurst

Rory McIlroy caught plenty of heat - justified heat according to many - for not speaking with the media following his brutal finish at the U.S. Open. It's been nearly a month since he bolted from Pinehurst and hopped aboard his private jet just minutes after Bryson DeChambeau hoisted the trophy, but after weeks of reflecting on the moment, he's come to the conclusion that he did absolutely nothing wrong.

After missing two putts inside five feet down the stretch and bogeying three of his final four holes to finish one shot shy of DeChambeau, McIlroy announced that he'd be taking a break from the game. That hiatus is coming to an end this week as he is teeing it up as the defending champion at the Scottish Open.

In what was his first press conference since his collapse at Pinehurst, McIlroy was asked if he had any regrets about his swift exit from the venue and passing on speaking with the media.

"Absolutely not, no, "McIlroy began. "There’s nothing that I could have said that was – not that – I mean, it would have been good because you guys would have been able to write something about it or have a few quotes from me. No offense, you guys were the last of my worries at that point."

It's totally understandable that speaking with a group of reporters after giving away a major championship when you haven't won one in over a decade is the last thing on your mind in the moment, but that doesn't mean it's justifiable.

Rory McIlroy doesn't regret ducking the media after his collapse at Pinehurst No. 2.  (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Phil Mickelson attended a press conference after his 2006 U.S. Open disaster at Winged Foot. Jean van de Velde spoke with the media after the worst collapse the sport has ever seen at the 1999 Open. Greg Norman spoke with reporters after his series of heartbreaks at the Masters

McIlroy could have easily taken time to himself, even a full hour if he chose, to cool off a bit. From there, even if it was three minutes of time, speaking to reporters in some form or fashion would have been well received by everyone. Not sticking around to shake DeChambeau's hand, even if that gesture happened behind closed doors, isn't necessarily the greatest look either.

McIlroy has long preached about being an entertainer and doing everything for the fans, yet pulled that sort of move in what will go down as one of the most memorable moments of his career, regardless of the fact it was heartbreak scenario on his behalf.