Rory McIlroy slammed after ‘non-existent’ PGA Championship course criticism
Justin Thomas has praised Aronimink Golf Club after Rory McIlroy claimed ‘strategy off the tee is pretty non-existent’ at the PGA Championship, where Aaron Rai claimed a surprise victory
Justin Thomas has opened up on his week at the PGA Championship and enjoyed the punishing course(Image: Getty)
Justin Thomas relished the demanding Aronimink Golf Club at the PGA Championship last week – a sharp contrast to consecutive Masters champion Rory McIlroy.
Thomas, 33, a two-time PGA Championship victor, arrived at Aronimink aiming to claim a third title. He came reasonably close, ending tied for fourth at 5-under-par, four strokes adrift of surprise PGA Championship winner, Aaron Rai.
Prior to the tournament, McIlroy, who claimed the opening major of 2026, the Masters, didn’t hold back when criticising the layout. The Northern Irishman argued that “strategy off the tee is pretty non-existent,” a viewpoint that left PGA Tour colleague Justin Rose deflated.
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Thomas has now offered his opinion and disagrees with McIlroy. The American said he relished the threat of punishment at Aronimink’s hands.
“Although it didn’t go exactly how I wanted, it sure was nice to post a number early yesterday to give myself a chance,” Thomas posted on Instagram, reports the Mirror US.
“Hats off to @aaron.rai1 with some insanely clutch shots down the stretch. I was so impressed with the course – how it managed to test both our discipline and precision all week.
“It begged us to challenge pins and play aggressively, and we found out early we’d be punished if we didn’t execute. Which, in my opinion, are just as major championships should be.”
Rory McIlroy’s fan confrontation McIlroy’s remarks came well before he became embroiled in a heated confrontation with a PGA Championship spectator. The Grand Slam champion lost his temper and swore before ensuring the individual was thrown out.
McIlroy told a fan to “shut the f–k up” before having them ejected from the venue. The altercation occurred at the par-five 16th at Aronimink, where McIlroy, exasperated after leaving his third shot in a bunker, reacted furiously to comments from the crowd.
While the precise comment wasn’t captured on the television coverage, his annoyance was evident as he confronted the person and summoned security.
Trailing by three shots in Philadelphia, the squandered opportunity to set up a birdie chance at such a pivotal moment further damaged his prospects of claiming the trophy.
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Aaron Rai’s shock win
Brit Rai was the surprise champion of the PGA Championship. He completed the tournament at 9 under par, and his triumph was warmly received by his fellow professionals.
“It is very surreal,” said Rai. “It has been a frustrating season, so being stood here is outside of my wildest imagination.”
McIlroy was amongst the PGA Tour professionals delighted to witness Rai’s victory. Nevertheless, he nearly managed to give himself a shot at winning as well. “I’m proud that I gave myself a chance,” the world number two told BBC Sport NI.
“But there are three holes I’ll rue – not birdieing the two par fives and then making bogey at the driveable par-four. Those three holes cost me a chance to win.”
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