Rory McIlroy at receiving end of 'cruel' remark from major champ

Tennis legend John McEnroe sparked a war of words among golf fans after he delivered an off-the-cuff line about Rory McIlroy's record in the majors. 

McIlroy is currently enjoying some downtime after an exhausting season on the PGA Tour that also saw him fail to break his major drought. 

The golfer has not won one of the big four since the 2014 PGA Championship at Valhalla. 

He went close in 2024 and will undoubtedly think that he should have got over the line at the U.S. Open. 

But McIlroy made three bogeys in his final four holes at Pinehurst No.2. to blow the chance to end his 10-year wait for a fifth major. 

McIlroy is a huge tennis fan and was among the crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Friday to watch the semi-finals of the U.S. Open.

Given his fame, the cameras panned to the 35-year-old during Taylor Fritz's match against Frances Tiafoe. 

Commentator Chris Fowler remarked: "Multiple major winner Rory McIlroy."

McEnroe wasted no time in delivering a brutal take. 

"Been a long time though," he said. 

The broadside was immediately picked up by golf fans on X. 

Here's come comments:

"Did John McEnroe really have to bring up Rory's choke job?"

"That's a bit rich coming from that gobby numpty!"

"That guy is a first class f---ing p----"

"What a hater."

McIlroy confirmed for LIV Golf match

Earlier in the week it was confirmed PGA Tour star McIlroy and World No.1 Scottie Scheffler will take part in a televised match against Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau later this year. 

Koepka and DeChambeau play in the rival LIV Golf League and the contest will be a rare opportunity for golf fans to watch four of the best players in the world outside of the majors. 

Meetings between the top men's players have been rare since LIV launched two years ago. 

Last June, the PGA Tour announced a framework agreement with LIV's financiers, the PIF of Saudi Arabia, but the two sides are yet to agree terms. 

McIlroy has made no secret he is frustrated with the lack of progress. 

A report by SI after the match was announced suggested McIlroy is trying to force the PGA Tour's hand.

For his part, McIlroy told Golfweek: "I'm thrilled to partner with Scottie in what promises to be an exciting duel against Bryson and Brooks in Vegas this December.

"This isn't just a contest between some of golf's major champions, it's an event designed to energise the fans.

"We're all here to put on a great show and contribute to a goodwill event that brings the best together again."

Read more about the contest here. 

Watched our latest YouTube video?