Sky Sports analyst and Irish golfing legend Paul McGinley has come under fire for his immediate reaction to Rory McIlroy's epic Masters triumph.
The final round at Augusta National was nothing short of a rollercoaster, showcasing the dramatic highs and lows of professional sports as McIlroy fluctuated between losing and regaining control on Sunday. He kicked off the day two shots ahead but found himself in a nail-biting playoff against England's Justin Rose. McIlroy could have sealed the deal with a four-foot putt on the 18th to hit 12 under, but it wasn't to be.
However, fate brought him back to the same spot where a stellar wedge swing gave him another shot at glory, this time from three feet out, and he didn't miss, securing a career Grand Slam. As McIlroy joined an elite circle of golfers and carved his name into the annals of the sport, McGinley faced backlash for his comment on Sky Sports' broadcast that "Rory isn't everybody's cup of tea".
With the programme moving back to the studio before McIlroy's ceremonial Green Jacket presentation, McGinley, when asked about the newly minted Masters champion and fellow Ryder Cup star, implied that McIlroy is a polarising figure, reports the Irish Star.
Fans were left scratching their heads over the remarks made by McGinley about McIlroy's popularity, with a fan posting a bemused comment on X: "Found it very strange last night that Paul McGinley spoke about Rory dividing opinion and that he is not everyone's cup of tea. He is everyone's cup of tea and is massively popular. Bizarre comment straight after Rory completes the grand slam."
Another shared their confusion, adding: "What the hell is Paul McGinley talking about? He starts his analysis by saying Rory isn't everyone's cup of tea? Bizarre chat after what we've just witnessed."
Similarly, a third chimed in, admitting: "I don't know what's eating at Paul McGinley. His comments were odd, to say the least." While another simply questioned: "Any idea why Paul McGinley spoke so oddly in the wake of an astonishing achievement by an Irish golfer?"
Amidst the online uproar surrounding these perplexing comments, McGinley did express his respect for McIlroy’s resilience through the hardships faced over the past 11 years since his previous major victory.
"It is good for the game to have another Grand Slam champion, but there is also the human element of resilience and bouncing back," continued McGinley, praising the Northern Irish star.
"He has been battered at times in the last 11 years, letting opportunities slip, and today was a microcosm of those last 11 years, falling down and getting back up, falling down and getting back up.
"He did it four times today, and that takes so much energy, so I am full of admiration for him for showing so much strength. That human story."
Iconic English pro Laura Davies, who joined McGinley in the studio, echoed his sentiments and tipped the Northern Irish star to make more of an impact in the years and even months to come.
"He might win five or six more majors now as he will never feel pressure like that again, trying to get the Grand Slam," she added. "He came through and won. It was one of the most amazing sporting moments I have witnessed."
Legendary coach Butch Harmon, who guided Tiger Woods from 1993 to 2004, also expressed his admiration for McIlroy's resilience, adding: "He was like a gladiator in the way he came back. Did he quit? No. Did he hang his head? No. Did he feel sorry for himself? No. Now he has a Green Jacket."
