Paul McGinley reacts after Rory McIlroy comments criticised following Masters win

Paul McGinley has taken to social media to clarify his comments about Masters champion Rory McIlroy that caused a stir among fans.

The Sky Sports pundit faced criticism when he said McIlroy "isn't everybody's cup of tea" and that he "divides opinion" before praising the Grand Slam champion. His intention was to applaud his resilience, but fans were less than impressed with his choice of words.

Following the frustration among fans, McGinley responded on social media, writing: "Rory has been the most criticised golfer in the world over the past few years. Winning was a human story of redemption against that backdrop.

"I tried to eloquate that but it came out in a ham fisted way yesterday. Nobody more happy than me to see him win and complete the Slam."

McIlroy, aged 35, has faced scrutiny over the years for failing to get the job done in majors over the past 11 years. However, he silenced doubters by securing his fifth major at Augusta National, thus joining an elite group of only six players to have won all four major championships in their career.

McIlroy said: "It's a dream come true," after winning at Augusta. "I have dreamt about that moment for as long as I can remember.

"Watching Tiger (Woods) here in 1997 do what he did, winning his first green jacket, I think that inspired so many of my generation to want to emulate what he did. It feels incredible. This is my 17th time here and I started to wonder if it would ever be my time.

"The last 10 years coming here with the burden of the grand slam on my shoulder and trying to achieve it, I wonder what we're going to talk about going into next year.

"I'm absolutely honoured, thrilled and proud to be able to call myself a Masters champion."

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