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Sir Nick Faldo was left puzzled by Rory McIlroy’s decision to provide an in-play interview during the opening round of The Masters on Thursday. McIlroy headed into the tournament as a hot
favourite alongside world No. 1 and defending champion Scottie Scheffler. The Northern Irishman however failed to live up to his well-backed price on day one, stumbling home to card a
frustrating one-over-par 73 across his opening 18 holes. During play on Thursday, McIlroy became one of the big talking points, but not for his game. During his round, the four-time major
champion fired a notorious drive 356 yards down the ninth fairway, leaving him just a wedge into the green. After hitting his approach shot to leave birdie, McIlroy popped in a pair of
airpods to chat to the live broadcaster CBS. Asked about his second shot at the ninth, he said: “I think just in the back of my mind - obviously you don't want to go long on this pin.
So, yeah I just eased off of it - probably pitched it five or six yards shorter than I wanted to. “So... I at least got that putt up the hill, hopefully have a decent look at it. If I
don't hole it, then get it around the hole, you know start the back nine afresh.” The mid-round interview split opinion in the golfing world. On one hand, golf’s fans and experts were
intrigued to hear from the Northern Irishman, as he opened up on what it is like to walk the famous Augusta fairways as it happens. Others however were less than impressed, questioning how
McIlroy can obtain his imperative concentration when having to conduct an interview. One man who was part of the latter was Faldo. Not many know what it takes to win the famous green jacket
more than the Englishman, having won golf’s most prestigious prize on three separate occasions. Questioning McIlroy’s decision to jump on the mic, he tweeted: “Every interview I've done
this week is all about giving 100% concentration to yourself and the task at hand, so why?" This is not the first time CBS have dropped into the ears of players in the swing of
competing, having brought in the new feature to its 2023 PGA Tour coverage.