McIlroy criticised for Turkish Open withdrawal
Rory McIlroy has been criticised after pulling out of the Turkish Open at the last minute.
World number two McIlroy was today due to begin his bid at the Regnum Carya Golf Resort tournament, the first of the European Tour’s three Final Series events to decide the Race to Dubai winner.
However, the Northern Irishman withdrew over the weekend to join the likes of Patrick Read and Martin Kaymer in snubbing the event. No reason was given, but tour officials had been investigating reports of a rocket attack at the nearby Antalya resort.
But McIlroy – who pulled out of the summer’s Olympics over concerns about the zika virus – has been blasted by the president of the Turkish Golf Federation for his decision.
"Over the last few months we have seen there is a lot of difference between top golfers and top athletes with some golfers missing events because of a few mosquitoes. True sports people rise above this,” said Ahmet Agaoglu.
“You can be a superstar, an excellent golfer and sit on top of the rankings, but to be an athlete you need something more.
“This is one of the major golfing events in the continent of Europe and they have to respect the sponsors a little bit because they are investing huge money.
“There is $7m prize money this week and Turkish Airlines aren’t just supporting golf at this tournament. Pulling out is not the correct approach.
“There are things happening everywhere in the world. If they are afraid of such things there is no safe place in the world.”
Latest
-
GolfBryson DeChambeau: ‘I wanted to show people you can achieve amazing things’
Bryson DeChambeau hopes his victory at the Rocket Mortgage Classic on Sunday has answered his critics.
-
GolfBryson DeChambeau wins sixth PGA Tour title at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Overnight leader Matthew Wolff was not able to recover from a poor start.
-
GolfAmerican Matthew Wolff claims three-shot lead at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Americans Ryan Armour and Bryson DeChambeau sit in second place.
-
GolfMatt Wallace rebounds with strong opening in Detroit
The Englishman carded a 66 to put behind him the disappointment of playing alone and missing the cut last week.
-
GolfWebb Simpson reckons PGA Tour is the ‘safest place to be’ in America
Webb Simpson isn’t bothered by the number of the positive tests on the PGA Tour.
-
UKBryson DeChambeau hoping his new-found muscle helps him power to win in Detroit
The 26-year-old California native revealed he has stuck to a 3,500 calorie a day diet.
-
UKChad Campbell withdraws from Detroit event after positive coronavirus test
The American was forced to pull out of the Rocket Mortgage Classic.
-
UKRory McIlroy taking couple of weeks off in bid to eliminate ‘dumb mistakes’
The world number one has become frustrated by errors that have kept him out of contention.
-
UKJohnson wins Travelers as McIlroy stumbles
The American won his first tournament since March last year.
-
GolfDustin Johnson on the charge as Rory McIlroy challenge fades
Brendon Todd led the way after the third round of the Travelers Championship.