Rory McIlroy’s Comeback Sparks Mixed Reactions Ahead of U.S. Open
After weeks of avoiding the public eye, Rory McIlroy is stepping back into the spotlight. The five-time major winner had kept a low profile since his underwhelming performance at the PGA Championship held at Quail Hollow. He skipped media interviews, missed the Memorial Tournament without notifying host Jack Nicklaus, and seemed to vanish from the scene entirely. But with the 2025 U.S. Open approaching quickly, McIlroy appears to be shifting gears. He’s been spotted preparing quietly at Oakmont and is now competing in the RBC Canadian Open—reconnecting with fans in the process.
<strong>Wholesome Moment Wins Hearts</strong>
Aaaaand, that’s why it’s easy to pull for Rory. https://t.co/2l4oXSBaj5
— Brandel Chamblee (@chambleebrandel) June 4, 2025
At the Canadian Open, McIlroy delivered a touching gesture that melted hearts. During the tournament, he noticed a young boy—no older than four—wearing a mini green jacket. McIlroy approached him, shook his hand, and posed for a photo, clearly charmed by the adorable moment. The photo quickly went viral and drew praise from fans and analysts alike. Golf expert Brandel Chamblee commended McIlroy, saying moments like these show why the golfer is so beloved. McIlroy himself even joked, “It took me a little longer to get one of those,” referencing his own long journey to winning the Masters.
<strong>The Road to the Green Jacket</strong>
That journey hasn’t been easy. After a crushing defeat in 2011, it took McIlroy over a decade to finally claim a Green Jacket. Along the way, he endured missed cuts, disappointing finishes, and a runner-up spot in 2022. This recent interaction with a young fan felt like a moment of redemption. Yet, not everyone was convinced.
<strong>Mixed Fan Reactions</strong>
Despite the feel-good nature of the moment, some fans were quick to bring up McIlroy’s controversial past behavior. Many pointed to a particular incident during The Players Championship, where he approached a fan during a practice round, demanded his phone, and walked away with it after the man shouted, “Just like 2011 at Augusta!” The internet speculated that McIlroy was irritated by the comment, and although he later apologized, the memory lingered for some. Social media reactions included sarcastic remarks like, “Hope the kid didn’t have a cell phone,” and, “He’ll be stealing his phone in 15 years.”
<strong>Criticism Isn’t New</strong>
McIlroy has faced criticism before for what some perceive as arrogance or lack of tact. One past comment about Scottie Scheffler not needing to cook his own meals—after the golfer injured himself making ravioli—also rubbed fans the wrong way. Comments on social media suggested skepticism about McIlroy’s sincerity, with one user joking, “He’s only spending time with that kid because he’s too young to ask a question.”
<strong>Media Silence Adds to the Heat</strong>
During the entire PGA Championship week, McIlroy avoided speaking to the press. The silence only fueled more controversy, especially as scrutiny around his “non-conforming” driver grew. With the U.S. Open just days away, many are watching not just his performance on the course, but also how he handles the scrutiny off it.
<strong>What’s Next for Rory?</strong>
Whether this recent behavior is a sign of genuine change or simply a public relations move, one thing is clear—Rory McIlroy is back in the spotlight, and golf fans everywhere are paying attention. The question now is whether his actions going forward will strengthen or weaken his image as a fan favorite.