Former Ryder Cup skipper calls for PGA Tour rule change: "Tiger never did that"

Former European Ryder Cup skipper Paul McGinley has implored the PGA Tour commissioner to think about making it mandatory for golfers to speak with the media after their rounds. 

Collin Morikawa decided he did not want to offer a few words to reporters after he was pipped to the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill by Russell Henley down the stretch. 

His decision drew criticism from the likes of McGinley and former PGA Tour pro turned analyst Brandel Chamblee. 

A week later, Morikawa explained he was merely upset in the moment and felt it was better for him to cool off alone.

Morikawa also stressed that even though he did not speak to the press he did sign autographs for 15 minutes.

The two-time major champion then opened a can of worms when he called out McGinley and Chamblee directly during the 2025 Players. 

McGinley took the criticism on the chin and explained that golf fans feel a disconnect to the players given how much money they play for nowadays after LIV Golf's noisy introduction to the sport forced the PGA Tour to up their prize purses.

The Irishman also explained one of the best interviews he ever saw was when Rory McIlroy broke down in tears during the 2021 Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits.

Although in fairness to Morikawa, McGinley didn't mention the fact McIlroy stormed off after he choked at the 2024 U.S. Open.

McGinley opened up on the subject to bunkered. 

"I've sat on both sides and I think it's something that the game can't afford," he told the publication.

"We are already stretched in a lot of ways in terms of promoting the game. One of the things that appeals to people and why sponsors get involved in golf is our code of behaviour and our ethics. Part of that is an obligation of the players to give insights.

"People might say well, 'nobody's interested if they lose.' Actually, they are. 

"In my view the best interview over the last ten years that I can remember was Rory's interview at the Ryder Cup in Whistling Straits. TV is a huge part and it’s the duty of the players and journalists to acknowledge that and be part of it.

"It's dangerous for the business of golf. It's really important that the players are aware of their obligations and remember they are custodians of the tour. 

"Players come and go but the tour remains the same. It’s important those standards are kept going forward and they're not dropped and new norms created."

McGinley also said PGA Tour boss Jay Monahan and his European counterpart Guy Kinnings should have a think on this.

"At the moment it's optional, maybe it needs to become an obligation or a rule because it's not going to help the game if players start [avoiding media] more regularly.

"It's not a big ask. It's one or two questions. I understand when things don’t go your way it’s hard to give an interview but that doesn't mean you can't give one or two answers. 

"Tiger never refused an interview. There's no reason why the current players should refuse it either. I'm hoping it's something that won't become a norm.

"It's not just about playing golf, we've got to see a little bit of their personality too – and that includes win, lose or draw."