McIlroy snubs WGC for France
Rory McIlroy revealed he will miss the WGC – Bridgestone Invitational to play in the 100th Open de France.
The Northern Irishman, who is already one of the favourites in the Open de France betting odds, believes that competing in the European Tour event will aid his preparations for the Open Championship,
This year, because of the calendar shift to allow participation in the Rio Olympic Games, the events take pace on the same weekend.
"I feel that playing in the 100th Open de France at Le Golf National will be the best way to get ready for The Open, which is just two weeks after the French Open," the five-time major winner told europeantour.com.
"Le Golf National might not be a pure links course, but it is traditionally firm and fast and can throw up some tricky conditions during the French Open. It's a great test of golf and I think playing there, as well as staying in Europe, will offer the best conditions to prepare for The Open at Troon.
"It will also be great to be part of the centennial edition of the French Open, which is one of the best events on the European Tour.
"I am sure there will be a special atmosphere at the tournament this year, so I'm looking forward to hopefully being a very big part of it.
"In a perfect world, I would be able to win the 100th Open de France and then keep the winning run going to The Open."
The former world number one was forced to miss the 2015 Open at St Andrews due to an ankle injury, but he's back this year and you can back him with Paddy Power.
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