Rory McIlroy Accused Of 'Selfish' Behavior At The PGA Championship
Rory McIlroy is showing everyone who he is at the PGA Championship. That's what some longtime critics think, anyway.
While McIlroy has won back-to-back Masters championships, he hasn't been happy with the setup or the conditions at the PGA Championship. And he's been speaking out in a big way at the course. McIlroy is currently tied for 7th place, at -3 for the tournament. He trails the leader, Alex Smalley, by three shots.
But McIlroy has not been happy with the course conditions or the setup. And he's facing some backlash for his comments.
McIlroy says that the bunched-up leaderboard shows that the PGA Championship course is not ideal.
"I think a bunched leaderboard like this, I think it's a sign of a not-great setup...it hasn't really enabled anyone to separate themselves. It's easy to make a ton of pars...it feels like bogey's the worst score you're going to shoot on any one hole," he said.
Golf fans think that's a 'selfish' mindset
Golf fans are loving the tournament, meanwhile.
"This has been phenomenal. I don't know why some people want this to play like Rocket Mortgage or some other random PGA Tour or LIV event. There's a time and place for that and it's not the majors," one fan wrote.
"Unfortunately tough conditions pull back the curtain to an often overlooked reality of professional golf, which is that most of these guys are losers. From afar they seem likable but the minute they get tested they fold like a lawn chair. I've seen enough this week," one fan added.
"Honestly I've done everything in my power to try to like Rory, but he needs to shut up and eat his pride here," one fan added.
"Just selfish mindset from Rory," one added.
"I feel the opposite as a fan - I like tough Thursday / Friday setups to make the cut a challenge - then ease the setup Saturday/Sunday and let the cream rise," another shared.
The final round of the PGA Championship, meanwhile, is set for Sunday.
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This story was originally published May 17, 2026 at 8:16 AM.