Masters contenders defend stances on ignoring media: 'It's not my job'

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Collin Morikawa and Rory McIlroy haven't exactly made friends with the media this week ahead of The Masters.

After a tough loss at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Morikawa opted not to speak with the media. Days later, he said he did not "owe anyone anything."

"No offense to you guys, but for me, in the moment of that time, I didn’t want to be around anyone. Like, I didn’t want to talk to anyone. I didn’t need any sorries. I didn’t need any ‘good playings.’ Like, you’re just p---ed," he said at the time.

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Rory McIlroy and Collin Morikawa celebrate after McIlroy holed out from a bunker on the 18th hole during the final round of the Masters.  (Michael Madrid/USA Today Sports)

The conversation returned at Augusta National Tuesday, and Morikawa defended his stance.

"I could’ve said it differently, but I stand by what I said. I was in the moment," Morikawa said Tuesday in Augusta. "We talk about giving people space to be who they are, and, at that time, it was for me to be who I was. And I didn’t want to be around anyone. I didn’t even want to be around my wife. Like, I said ‘Hi’ to her after, we hugged and I went straight to the locker room."

Morikawa then offered his take on the situation.

Collin Morikawa of the United States reacts after making birdie on the eighth green during the third round of the 2024 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club April 13, 2024, in Augusta, Ga.  (Warren Little/Getty Images)

"In that aspect, there needs to be a balance and an ebb and flow between everything. I do want to be here for you guys," he said. "But here’s the thing: I’ve been in the top five in the