Rory McIlroy had an outstanding season on the PGA Tour in 2025, but it was not without its rough patches.
It is also fair to point out that many of the issues he faced were brought on by his own decisions throughout the year.
His campaign got off to a dream start, with wins at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am, The Players Championship and The Masters all coming before April was over.
With his victory at Augusta National, McIlroy became only the sixth player in history to complete a career Grand Slam, joining some of the sport’s biggest names.
But after that historic achievement, he found it tough to regain his best form. In fact, he did not play another tournament until the US Open in June.
The gap between tournaments was not just about physical fatigue – McIlroy admitted he struggled with motivation after finally completing the Grand Slam.
The Northern Irishman concluded his season impressively, securing a win at the Irish Open and delivering a stunning display for Europe in last week’s Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.
Still, in light of his mid-season actions, the PGA Tour ought to implement a rule change for the 2026 season.
Ups and downs from Rory McIlroy’s 2025 campaign
When he looks back on the year, the 36-year-old will have plenty of reasons to feel good about his play in 2025.
There were moments, though, when he clearly was not himself.
The issues began in May, right before the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow.
Just days before the tournament, his driver was found to be non-conforming, and that seemed to set off a string of setbacks for him.
He was reportedly furious that his name was leaked to the press, while other golfers, including Scottie Scheffler, remained anonymous.
The Northern Irishman did not speak to the media during six straight major championship rounds. He finally spoke after round three of the US Open at Oakmont but remained distant with reporters.
“It’s just frustration with you guys [some sections of the media],” McIlroy said.
“I have been totally available for the past number of years.
“That [driver issue] was a part of it but at Augusta I skipped you guys on Thursday. It’s not out of the ordinary as I’ve done it before, but I am doing it a little more often. I feel like I’ve earned the right to do whatever I want to do.”
The criticism came from Brandel Chamblee over McIlroy’s refusal to address media obligations in June, and now there are calls for the PGA Tour to look at enforcing rule changes around player accessibility moving forward.
PGA Tour needs new rule following Rory McIlroy incident
Brian Rolapp and others in leadership roles need to introduce a rule requiring PGA Tour players to speak to the media at least twice during a tournament week, as long as they are fit to do so.
Fans and sponsors have a right to expect some insight into how rounds are going, especially from the top players in the sport.
There is also a responsibility to set an example for young fans watching at home. When their heroes choose not to face up to things after a tough day, it sends the wrong message.
The PGA Tour should take action following Rory McIlroy’s behaviour over that two-month stretch in 2025.
If they want people invested in golf, they need people invested in their golfers. The way forward is better access before and after rounds. That means more than just post-round TV interviews.
In other sports, players are required by contract to do press before and after games. Golf might be different because players are independent contractors, but there is still room for improvement.
Better access would be a welcome change heading into the 2026 season.