McIlroy on European Tour plans: I have to look out for me
Rory McIlroy has responded to Paul McGinley’s criticism of his decision to potentially give up his European Tour membership next season.
McIlroy revealed earlier this week that he was seriously considering not committing to playing the minimum four European Tour events – outside of the Majors and the World Golf Championship events – needed to secure membership next season.
Instead, he wants to focus almost exclusively on the PGA Tour for the first eight months of the year, and would reassess the decision in 2020, the next Ryder Cup year.
In a column for Sky Sports, McGinley said he was struggling to understand the Northern Irishman’s reasoning.
“It’s quite extraordinary that Rory’s not going to play just two more events to fulfil his European Tour membership next season. It’s very disappointing and it is obviously a blow for the European Tour,” he wrote.
“I’ve been racking my brains wondering how that can be. Obviously Rory sees it in other ways and has got his own rationale for that, although I’m finding it hard to understand. We’ve already reduced the number of events players have to play on the European Tour from five down to four, just to make it easy for the guys, like Rory, who are playing a worldwide schedule.”
After his first-round 69 at the DP World Tour Championship on Thursday, McIlroy was asked for his thoughts on McGinley’s comments, and offered a diplomatic response.
“Everyone looks out for themselves. McGinley is on the European Tour board, so he’s involved and he has to protect what he has and I get it. Everyone has to do what’s best for them. For me next year I’m trying to do what’s best for me to help get back to the best player in the world and try to win majors again,” McIlroy said.
“Everyone has to look out for themselves. Next year I am looking out for me. At the same time I don’t have to make a decision on it,” he added, pointing out that his membership fee for the European Tour is only due in May.
“I didn’t say it was a definite, it is up in the air. We’ll see how it goes.”
Asked whether he minds that the decision will get him a lot of flak, McIlroy replied: “I’d cause all the stirs in the world if I got back to winning majors.”
Latest
-
GolfRory McIlroy starts slowly in Memphis as he bids to regain world number one spot
The Northern Irishman needs to win to reclaim the world number one spot from Jon Rahm.
-
ScotlandMiguel Angel Jimenez among the Spaniards to impress in first round of Hero Open
The 56-year-old, who is already the oldest winner on Tour, shot a 64 to claim a share of second place.
-
GolfRory McIlroy relishing busy schedule: ‘This is the time to play well’
Rory McIlroy is excited about the jam-packed schedule that lies ahead.
-
GolfBrooks Koepka struggling for form ahead of title defence in Memphis
The American is now sixth in the world rankings.
-
ScotlandHero Open hopeful Eddie Pepperell turns to old putter after ditching cursed club
The world number 89 blamed a new putter as he laboured to a closing round of 77 at the British Masters.
-
ScotlandJon Rahm targets lengthy spell as world number one
Rahm replaced Rory McIlroy at the top of the rankings following his victory in the Memorial Tournament.
-
GolfMichael Thompson on ‘whirlwind of emotions’ after first win in seven years
Seven years of hard work paid off in spectacular fashion for Michael Thompson at the 3M Open on Sunday.
-
GolfMichael Thompson holds his nerve to triumph at 3M Open in Minnesota
Thompson carded birdies at the 16th and the last to secure his second PGA Tour win of his career.
-
GolfWerenski shares lead in Minnesota after Thompson stumbles
Tom Lewis, the only Briton to make the cut, will start the final round eight shots off the lead.
-
ScotlandRenato Paratore sees hard work pay off with British Masters victory
The 23-year-old won a second European Tour title.