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
-
Matt CooperPunter’s pointers: The Olympic Men’s Golf Competition
Who will emulate Justin Rose, Henrik Stenson and Matt Kuchar in standing on the podium to collect Olympic medals this week?
-
NewsNacho Elvira dedicates dramatic Cazoo Open victory to Celia Barquin Arozamena
The 2018 European Ladies’ Amateur champion was murdered later in the year on a course in Iowa.
-
NewsMinjee Lee overturns a seven-shot deficit to take Evian Championship victory
A win over South Korea’s Jeongeun Lee6 in a play-off saw the Australian secure her first major title.
-
NewsMinjee Lee overturns a seven-shot deficit to take Evian Championship victory
A win over South Korea’s Jeongeun Lee6 in a play-off saw the Australian secure her first major title.
-
NewsMorikawa Clinches Second Career Major
It is fair to say that the recent 2021 edition was absolutely no different and with a number of early contenders once again falling.
-
NewsMatt Wallace out to show Padraig Harrington his desire to make Ryder Cup team
Wallace was overlooked for a wild card in 2018 despite winning for the third time in 15 starts.
-
NewsCollin Morikawa to reassess his goals after winning The Open at first attempt
The 24-year-old American has already won two majors.
-
NewsThe Open day four: Halfway to a career grand slam two years after turning pro
Collin Morikawa has added the Open to the US PGA, both of them won on tournament debut.
-
NewsCollin Morikawa eager to savour taste of success after debut Open triumph
The American became only the second person after Tiger Woods to win the Open and US PGA before the age of 25.