Los Angeles— Rory McIlroy is inundated with questions.Now at the top of the list: what transpired on Thursday when you missed the chip shot from the rough just off the 18th green?
McIlroy, a 34-year-old Northern Irishman who has won four major championships, is mum.It is unclear whether or when responses will arrive. After posting a 5-under 65 in the opening round of the U.S. Open at the Los Angeles Country Club on Thursday, McIlroy declined interview requests made through the United States Golf Association.What was it like to play with Brooks Koepka, one of the most prominent LIV golf players that McIlroy claims to despise?How did he feel when he shook hands with Koepka following the round?McIlroy, who has impersonated Greta Garbo in this instance, is still a complete unknown. First, he canceled a pre-event press conference on Tuesday, and then, after completing his round on Thursday, he walked from the scoring tent to the clubhouse without answering any questions from the media.The competition between McIlroy and Koepka was largely disappointing, as Koepka bogeyed the first hole and was never able to return to par.Swing and a miss for Rory McIlroy Wow. One blemish on an otherwise spectacular round 65 first round. 3 off the lead pic.twitter.com/3MfeBWPRmh— Bob Pompeani (@KDPomp) June 16, 2023In contrast, McIlroy made five birdies on the front nine and one more before the shocking 18th hole. He saved a bogey with a 15-foot putt, but his chip shot error brought to mind former New York Giants punter Sean Landeta, who is now retired.On January 5, 1986, when the Giants played the Chicago Bears in a playoff game on a windy day, Landeta failed to punt the football.