Sir Nick Faldo questions Rory McIlroy's 'walk-and-talk' at The Masters

Sir Nick Faldo has questioned Rory McIlroy's live interview during the 2023 Masters, something which Tiger Woods would 'never do'.

Ben Smith

07 Apr 2023

Sir Nick Faldo questions Rory McIlroy's 'walk-and-talk' at The Masters

Rory McIlroy's live interview during the opening round of the 2023 Masters was not a good idea, according to Sir Nick Faldo.

McIlroy, 33, made history on Thursday by becoming the first golfer to be mic'd up at Augusta National.

The Northern Irishman made another sluggish start at the major in his quest for the Grand Slam.

He revealed after his opening round that he was approached about the idea by CBS last week.

They then reached out to Augusta National and chairman Fred Ridley gave the thumbs up.

Ridley previously allowed Bryson DeChambeau and Dude Perfect to film a YouTube video before the 2022 Masters, so why wouldn't the notoriously stuffy green jackets allow McIlroy to give an insight into his thinking?

McIlroy said that when he first did the live interview - during the WGC Match Play in which he was defeated in the semi-final by Cameron Young - that it wasn't as intrusive as he first feared.

He said:

"I thought it would be a cool thing to do. I did it in Austin and didn't feel like it took me out of my rhythm in any way or made me think about things too much. So it's nice to provide the audience at home a little bit more insight into what's going on out here."

Was he surprised Augusta allowed this?

"No. I mean, I think with the previous chairman, he definitely brought things forward. Then I think since Chairman Ridley has come along, he's really tried to push the envelope as well. So I think Augusta have a great balance of blending that history and that tradition but also making sure we're keeping up with the times, I guess."

Faldo posted this:

Every interview I’ve done this week is all about giving 100% concentration to yourself and the task at hand, so why? https://t.co/yyuFHfNd67
— Sir Nick Faldo (@NickFaldo006) April 7, 2023

As for McIlroy, he said there was one player who he would most like to see do the live interview, but would never even entertain the thought.

Who might that be?

Tiger Woods, McIlroy said.

What are the chances?

"Zero," McIlroy said.

Watch:

Watching Rory McIlroy hit a shot and then getting instant feedback from him on it is just outstanding pic.twitter.com/J0cJhwU98h
— Jay Rigdon (@jayrigdon5) April 6, 2023