Rory McIlroy’s US Open outburst revealed in new book as Alan Shipnuck recalls tense moment and Ryder Cup jibe

Rory McIlroy is once again in the spotlight, but this time it is not just about his golf. A new book by veteran golf reporter Alan Shipnuck shares a moment that shows a very different side of the star.

The incident happened during the US Open last year, where McIlroy had an angry exchange with the author. This comes right after McIlroy’s biggest career moment. In 2025, he finally won the Masters Tournament and completed his career Grand Slam. It was a huge emotional win after years of near-misses. But the book suggests that life after that win has not been as smooth as it looked from the outside. The story also gives a deeper look into how McIlroy behaves off the course, how he deals with pressure, and how people around him see his personality.

Rory McIlroy’s US Open moment with Alan Shipnuck shows frustration after Masters win

In the book, Alan Shipnuck shares what happened during a practice day at the US Open. He was talking to McIlroy’s manager when McIlroy suddenly looked at him and said, “F* off.”**Shipnuck writes that McIlroy looked very angry and repeated it again, pointing his club. The moment surprised everyone there. Later, when they spoke in private, McIlroy explained his reaction. He said, “I was trying to get ready for my round, and when I saw you talking to Sean, I couldn’t concentrate.”

He also added, “I could have used different language.”The timing was important. This happened just weeks after his Masters win. During that same US Open week, McIlroy struggled on the course. Shipnuck noted that he made mistakes, showed visible frustration, and even damaged a tee marker during play.The book suggests that winning the Masters may have left him mentally drained. After chasing that title for years, the sudden success brought a different kind of pressure.

Rory McIlroy’s personality, Ryder Cup nickname, and comparisons with Tiger Woods

The book also talks about how people in golf see McIlroy. Some admire him, while others feel he can be emotional. Former Ryder Cup teammate Lee Westwood once called him “a fing drama queen.”*At the same time, his old school headmaster defended him strongly, saying, “That’s never going to happen to Rory… because of his upbringing.”McIlroy has always been open with the media, which makes him different from players like Tiger Woods, who is known for being private.

Shipnuck points out that McIlroy’s honesty is both his strength and weakness.There are also lighter moments. During the Ryder Cup, McIlroy once joked about Shipnuck in a press conference, showing his playful side.Still, the book makes one thing clear. McIlroy likes to control his story. When asked about the biography, he told Shipnuck, “You can do what you want, but don’t expect me to be excited about it.”That line shows a player who is aware of his image and careful about how he is seen.