Southgate Defends McIlroy’s Media Approach

Golfer understands pressure on Masters champion

**Rory McIlroy**’s interactions with the media have been strained recently. Now, **Matthew Southgate** has shared his perspective, offering support for the Northern Irishman’s approach.

Southgate Praises McIlroy’s Talent

**Southgate**, when asked about the best player he’s competed against, didn’t hesitate to name **McIlroy**: “I’d say the best player I’ve ever played with has to be **Rory**. He hits certain shots that other players just can’t hit.”

He continued by highlighting **McIlroy**’s ability to execute under pressure: “A lot of players at the top of the game can hit all the shots, but every now and again **Rory** just hits a drive or a fairway wood or a short game shot that’s just, they are one-off shots but he does it in the moment, while other players might need four or five takes to get it right. He gets it right in that moment, he really is a very special player.”

Southgate Supports McIlroy’s Media Stance

**Southgate** understands the scrutiny **McIlroy** faces. He stated: “**Rory**’s recent media stuff, I mean he gets pulled from pillar to post.” He believes the media often unfairly targets players, adding, “I think he’s an amazing credit to the sport. He does a lot of stuff for the sport and I feel like a lot of the time the golfing media can be very, very harsh, and they almost goad people into stories.”

The English golfer criticized the focus on off-course issues rather than athletic achievements. “The journalism around sport 30 or 40 years ago, it was all about performance…I feel like sometimes digging into politics and the business side of things and people’s behaviour, I just think there is a lot of very, very poor journalists in the world.”

Furthermore, **Southgate** suggests the media’s behavior is the reason behind **McIlroy**’s reluctance: “If the people in the media have upset **Rory**, then they’re probably the ones to blame if **Rory** doesn’t want to give as much of his time, and I think that’s understandable.”

Indeed, a 2023 study by the University of Southern California found that 68% of athletes feel media coverage focuses more on negative aspects than positive achievements (USC News).

Flashback: 2016 Irish Open

**Southgate** also recounted his experience playing alongside **McIlroy** at the 2016 Irish Open. He said, “Playing with **Rory** was an amazing experience…**Rory** was a gentleman to play with. He obviously knew I was under a lot of pressure and he made it as easy as he possibly could.”

**McIlroy** won the tournament, while **Southgate** finished fourth.

Looking ahead, **Southgate** aims to build on such experiences. His insights offer a valuable perspective on the pressures faced by top athletes like **Rory McIlroy**.