Paige Spiranac comes to Rory McIlroy's defence after frustrating U.S. Open

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While Rory McIlroy continues to make headlines for the things that he’s not saying, he has at least one person standing in his corner: Paige Spiranac.

The popular golf influencer has the back of the Northern Irishman, who once again snubbed reporters during a tricky time at last week’s U.S. Open in Oakmont, Pa.

The blonde bombshell shared her thoughts on Sunday about McIlroy bowing out of several questioning periods with the media, reminding fans that it’s not an obligation to speak with the press.

“Might be an unpopular opinion here but he doesn’t have to talk to the media if he doesn’t want to. It’s not required. And why would he when everyone is always analyzing and criticizing his every move,” Spiranac wrote in response to a post about McIlroy’s frustrations.

“There is clearly something more going on none of us are privy to so maybe let’s not all pile on.”

Spiranac, a former collegiate golf champ, also commented on a scene during the U.S. Open that saw a frustrated McIlroy toss his club at the ground after a poor shot – only to see it bounce right back into his hand.

“I’m sure people are going to be mad at him for throwing a club but 1. We’ve all been there and have thrown a golf club, 2. This was sick,” she wrote.

McIlroy, who completed his career grand slam by winning the Masters in April, expressed his frustration with the media earlier in the U.S. Open week.

“It’s more a frustration with you guys,” he responded when asked why he has been declining media requests. “I feel like I’ve earned the right to do whatever I want to do.”

He also revealed an apparent lack of motivation at Oakmont, questioning whether he even wanted to make the cut.

“Yeah, it’s funny, like it’s much easier being on the cut line when you don’t really care if you’re here for the weekend or not,” he said.

“I was sort of thinking, ‘do I really want two more days here or not?’ So, it makes it easier to play better when you’re in that mindset.”

He would make the cut and eventually finish the tournament tied for 19th at 7-over par.

However, despite his nonchalant attitude about the U.S. Open, McIlroy figures to be plenty motivated for the final major of the season with The Open Championship taking place at Royal Portrush Golf Club in his home country.

“I climbed my Everest in April, and I think, after you do something like that, you’ve got to make your way back down, and you’ve got to look for another mountain to climb,” McIlroy said. “An Open at Portrush is certainly one of those.”

McIlroy last won The Open in 2014 at Royal Liverpool Golf Club.