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Paul McGinley has taken a dim view of Rory McIlroy’s tense exchange with the media following his US Open third round at Oakmont. 

Five-time major champion McIlroy, who had refused requests to speak following his opening two rounds, gave the media five minutes of his time after carding a four-over 74 early on Saturday.

The Irishman used the opportunity to admit that the media’s reporting of his failed driver test at last month’s PGA Championship had contributed to him making himself less available than usual, adding: “I feel like I’ve earned the right to do whatever I want.”

The remarks were widely shared on social media and subsequently scrutinised on Golf Channel’s ‘Live From The US Open’ post-round show.

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Appearing alongside host Rich Lerner and fellow former tour pro Brandel Chamblee, McGinley – who captained McIlroy in Europe’s Ryder Cup victory in 2014 – admitted to being unimpressed by his fellow Irishman’s comments.

“I didn’t enjoy them,” said McGinley. “I don’t like to see that. I think Rory’s better than that. Either not talking to the media or giving a press conference like that doesn’t serve him fairly or rightly for the person that he is.

“He looks fed up to me. He looks like he’s had enough of everything. Whether it was the emotional release of everything that’s gone on in his career, I don’t know, but he’s not himself.”

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He added: “This is not normal. When he does that, because people look up to him, a conference like that with his body language and short language doesn’t serve him right.

“I don’t like to see it. I’m disappointed for Rory that it’s come to that. Something is eating at him. He hasn’t let us know what it is but there’s something that’s not right.”

McIlroy concludes his US Open at 2.36pm today (UK time) in the company of Andrew Novak.

His next scheduled start is next week’s Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands in Connecticut.

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