Rory McIlroy in sensational rant (!) over criticism from Tiger Woods' ex coach

Rory McIlroy went on the offensive in his first news conference after his devastating loss to Bryson DeChambeau at the 2024 US Open. 

McIlroy, 35, looked as though he was going to break his 10-year major drought in June at Pinehurst No.2. 

The world number three had a two-shot lead when he was in pursuit of his fifth major title but he dropped shots at three of the last four holes. 

He missed two putts inside of three feet to hand DeChambeau the opportunity to snatch the major. 

And his American LIV Golf rival did so in style, producing an all-time up-and-down from the fairway bunker to seal his second major title.

McIlroy, visibly heartbroken and furious with himself as he watched the events unfold from the scorer's hut, made a quick exit from the property. 

He was accused of disrespecting DeChambeau for not staying behind to shake his hand and didn't want to offer any immediate comments to the assembled media. 

McIlroy told reporters before the Scottish Open - where he is the defending champion - that he did not regret how he behaved. 

He also went into detail over his missed putts and took a dim view of those criticising his long-time caddie and best pal Harry Diamond. 

Tiger Woods' ex-coach Hank Haney claimed McIlroy would have won the major had he had a stronger looper on the bag such as Steve Williams. 

Although it was pointed out to the infamous golf instructor that Williams was on the bag when Adam Scott collapsed at the 2012 Open Championship at Royal Lytham & St. Annes. 

Former PGA Tour player Smylie Kaufman also claimed Diamond should have stepped in over the closing holes. 

"It's certainly unfair," McIlroy told reporters at The Renaissance Club in North Berwick. 

"Hank Haney has never been in that position. 

"Smylie has been in that position once, and I love Smylie, and he was out there with us on 18.

"But just because Harry is not as vocal or loud with his words as other caddies, it doesn't mean that he doesn't say anything and that he doesn't do anything. 

"I just wish that, you know, these guys that criticise when things don't go my way, they never say anything good when things do go my way."

McIlroy continued: "So where were they when I won Dubai earlier this year or Quail Hollow or the two FedExCups that I've won with Harry or the two Ryder Cups or whatever? 

"They are never there to say Harry did such a great job when I win, but they are always there to criticise when we don't win.

"At the end of the day, they are not there. They are in the arena. They are not the ones hitting the shots and making the decisions. 

"Someone said to me once, you would never -- if you would never take advice from these people, you would never take their criticisms, either. 

"[I] certainly wouldn't go to Hank Haney for advice. I love Smylie, but I think I know what I'm doing, and so does Harry."

Watch:

"You guys were the last of my worries"

McIlroy was asked by a reporter if he had any regrets about not staying behind. 

The Ulsterman did not address whether he should have shaken DeChambeau's hand. 

He did belatedly congratulate the golfer when he announced he was taking a three-week break. 

McIlroy said he had no qualms with not offering any quotes to reporters in the immediate aftermath. 

"I mean, it would have been good because you guys would have been able to write something about it or have a few quotes from me," he said. 

"[But] no offence, you guys were the last of my worries at that point."

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