Paige Spiranac is coming to Rory McIlroy’s defense following a choppy U.S. Open showing over the weekend. In a message shared Sunday on X, the longtime golf influencer, 32, offered her take on the reigning Masters champion bypassing the media recently.

I feel like I've earned the right to do whatever I want to do,” McIlroy said after the third round of the U.S. Open

Rory McIlroy battled through a turbulent week at Oakmont Country Club, closing his U.S. Open campaign with a brilliant 3‑under 67 on Sunday. After opening rounds of 74, 72 and 74, McIlroy’s late surge vaulted him into a tie for 19th at 7‑over par (287) with his lowest single‑round tally of the championship and his 10th career round of 67 or better at the U.