Paige Spiranac Has Launched a Furious Response in Defence of Rory McIlroy’s Ruling Following His Defeat at the US Open

In the wake of Rory McIlroy’s challenging performance at the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club, golf influencer Paige Spiranac has emerged as a vocal defender of the Northern Irishman, addressing the controversy surrounding his actions and a disputed ruling during the tournament. McIlroy, who earlier this year completed a career Grand Slam by winning the Masters, faced intense scrutiny for his behavior and a rules-related incident that sparked widespread debate. Spiranac, known for her outspoken commentary and deep understanding of the game, took to social media to express her frustration with the criticism directed at McIlroy, particularly regarding a ruling that some fans and analysts believed impacted his performance.

The 2025 U.S. Open, held from June 12 to 15 at the notoriously difficult Oakmont course, was a grueling test for all competitors. McIlroy, coming off a stellar season with victories at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, The Players Championship, and the Masters, entered the tournament as a favorite. However, his performance faltered, culminating in a final-round score of 67 that left him at seven-over-par for the event. His frustration was evident on the course, where he was seen throwing his driver and damaging a tee marker, actions that drew significant backlash from fans and media. Additionally, McIlroy skipped media sessions after the first two rounds, citing frustration with the press, which further fueled criticism.

The controversy that sparked Spiranac’s passionate defense centered on a rules violation involving McIlroy’s playing partner, Shane Lowry, during the second round. Lowry inadvertently picked up his ball on the 14th green without marking it, resulting in a one-shot penalty. McIlroy, present at the time, reportedly found the situation amusing, as did Lowry, but some fans and commentators speculated that the incident disrupted McIlroy’s focus, contributing to his overall struggles. Others questioned whether the ruling was fairly applied, given the high-pressure environment of the U.S. Open. Social media posts on X amplified the debate, with some users arguing that McIlroy’s reaction to the ruling showed a lack of composure, while others felt the penalty was an unnecessary distraction for both players.

Spiranac, who has amassed a significant following for her golf insights, took to X to address the criticism head-on. “This narrative around Rory is getting out of hand,” she wrote. “The ruling with Shane was a simple mistake, and people are blowing it out of proportion to pile on Rory. He’s under enough pressure without this kind of scrutiny.” She emphasized the mental toll of competing at Oakmont, describing it as a “brutal test” that pushes players to their limits. Spiranac also defended McIlroy’s decision to skip media obligations, noting that athletes are not required to speak to reporters and that McIlroy’s emotional state warranted understanding. “He gave everything on the course. Let’s cut him some slack,” she added.

The golf influencer’s comments resonated with many of her followers, who echoed her call for empathy. One user on X wrote, “Paige is right. Rory’s human, and Oakmont is a beast. That rules thing with Lowry was a nothingburger.” However, not all reactions were supportive, with some fans arguing that McIlroy’s actions, including his club-throwing, reflected poorly on his sportsmanship. Spiranac countered these criticisms by highlighting the intense pressure professional golfers face, particularly someone like McIlroy, who has been in the public eye for over a decade. “Most people can’t imagine what it’s like to have every move analyzed,” she stated, urging fans to consider the mental and emotional challenges of the sport.

McIlroy’s struggles at the U.S. Open followed a season of highs and lows. His Masters victory in April marked a career pinnacle, but subsequent performances, including a T47 finish at the PGA Championship and a missed cut at the RBC Canadian Open, suggested a dip in form. His comments about needing a “mental reset” before the U.S. Open underscored the toll of his demanding schedule. Despite his final-round 67, McIlroy finished well behind leaders Sam Burns, Adam Scott, and J.J. Spaun, prompting speculation about his readiness for the upcoming Open Championship at Royal Portrush.

Spiranac’s defense of McIlroy reflects her ongoing support for the golfer, whom she previously backed to win the Masters. Her willingness to challenge the narrative around McIlroy’s U.S. Open performance highlights her influence in the golf community and her commitment to advocating for players under pressure. As McIlroy prepares for his next challenge, Spiranac’s words serve as a reminder of the human element in professional sports, where even the greatest players face moments of struggle and scrutiny.