Gary Player is very annoyed by Rory McIlroy and says Jack Nicklaus will be having stern words with him, ‘I am not happy’

Rory McIlroy might have finally landed the grand slam this year by winning The Masters but golf legend Gary Player has come out swinging with some harsh words for the Northern Irishman.

McIlroy got his Masters win by holding off Justin Rose in a playoff in what were some of the most emotional and touching scenes we’ve seen in the sport for some time.

However, while McIlroy was rightfully lauded for his win, the weeks and months that followed painted the 35-year-old in a different light.

McIlroy actively avoided media duties at the US Open and came in for fierce criticism from some for taking such a stance.

The avoidance of media has been a topic all season long on the PGA Tour and because of that, nine-time major winner Gary Player has now had his say on McIlroy’s attitude.

Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images

Gary Player unhappy with Rory McIlroy’s behaviour in 2025

Gary Player is very much of the old school mentality and like Jack Nicklaus, has spoken openly in the past about the duties of top golfers to speak to the press.

Now, speaking on the Golf Supply YouTube channel, Player was asked about McIlroy but admitted that while he’s a big fan, he’s not been impressed with his behaviour.

“Yes, I am but I am not happy with the way he has behaved since he won The Masters,” Player admitted.

“Not going to the press and stuff. I have never done that in my life, neither did Palmer or Nicklaus. And then he says he can do what he likes. You can’t. Nobody can do what you like.

“Nicklaus will tell him, Nicklaus will straighten him out. But he has got the most beautiful swing.”

What Rory McIlroy said about avoiding media duties

A lot of McIlroy’s frustration seemed to stem from when a story was leaked about his change of driver head at the PGA Championship.

That seemed to really irk him, and he then withdrew from The Memorial Tournament too.

At the time, though, McIlroy defended his stance when he played in the Canadian Open.

“There has obviously been times in my career where I have opted not to. I don’t want to talk about negative things, especially in the middle of the week of a major,” McIlroy said.

“And then with a lot of the driver stuff as well there was a lot of people I was trying to protect by not saying anything.

“Look, I decided that was the best course of action for me that week. But, again, I keep saying we have that option if we want to. If the powers that be want to look at that they can. But I am happy to be back here again and on a nice three week stretch starting here and looking to the third major of the season next week at Oakmont.”

Whether or not a stricter ruling is put in place from the PGA, remains to be seen.

But this subject has been a scourge on the entire season really and at some point, it will need meeting head on and fixing.