McGinley On Rory Backlash: "This is not a noise you really want to have."

Rory McIlroy ably defended himself during his Tuesday press conference in Mexico City, yet seems to be on the ropes concerning his golf round with President Donald Trump.

Brian Keogh reports the comments of Paul McGinley, who points out that McIlroy has not played well when facing criticism, is nonetheless befuddled by the anger expressed on social media toward McIlroy.

"I think it is disappointing that this noise doesn’t seem to be abating, looking at his press conference yesterday again. It dominated his press conference again, and in preparation for the Masters, this is not a noise you really want to have.

"He will be focussing on his injury, focussing on his game. He has walked into a storm, and I certainly won’t be critical of him, but I think it has taken him by surprise, and it has taken a lot of people by surprise, the vitriol that he has received.

"He was in a no-win situation, and that's the problem. When you get asked by the President of the United States to go and play a game of golf, it's very hard to say no."