Euro chief stands by McIlroy decision

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October 10, 2015

Chief executive Keith Pelley insists it was the right decision to allow Rory McIlroy to compete in the European Tour's Final Series.

McIlroy failed to play the 13 events required to qualify for the season-ending four-tournament series this year, but has been given a special exemption and will be taking part.

The Tour decided to allow McIlroy to compete after he ruptured ankle ligaments in July, which prevented him from meeting the 13-tournament quota.

Asked if he had created a dangerous precedent, Pelley said: "I totally disagree. I think if that was to happen with another player I would go through the exact same forensic analysis.

"With Rory I understood the commitments he had in America and we had external doctors verify the fact he couldn't play in more tournaments.

"I think what we have now is a process in place to properly analyse if this situation was to re-occur and I would look at it the same and make a decision based accordingly on the actual regulations."

The Final Series starts with the Turkish Airlines Open later this month and concludes with DP World Tour Championship in Dubai in November.

Pelley, who replaced George O'Grady in August, said the decision to include McIlroy was not taken lightly.

"We took a detailed forensic analysis of all aspects of the situation," Pelley added.

"We looked closely at all his medical reports, we worked closely with his team, closely with Rory and at the end of the day we made a decision we thought was in the best interests of the European Tour.

"If going forward now that was to happen with any other player, we basically have a process in place."

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