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Rory McIlroy plays his second shot on the par-5 18th hole during the opening round of the 2018 DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates on Thursday.
By Kent Gray
Rory McIlroy has hit back at critics of his decision to commit to only two European Tour events outside of the majors and World Golf Championship events next year, a move that could ultimately cost him a probable Ryder Cup captaincy.
The 29-year-old Northern Irishman carded a three-under 69 on the opening day of the DP World Tour Championship but the aftermath of his first sub-par round in almost two months was all about the fallout from his scheduling announcement on the eve of the Race to Dubai decider.
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Former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley, a close friend of McIlroy’s, wrote in a Sky Sport column that he found the four-time major champion’s decision to commit almost full-time to the PGA Tour next year “extraordinary”.
“It’s very disappointing and it is obviously a blow for the European Tour,” McGinley wrote of the decision that will see McIlroy bypass the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and Omega Dubai Desert Classic by choice for the first time since turning professional in 2007.
“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.
After his round, McIlroy was asked whether a new rule brought in last year to stop players from retaining their membership solely in Ryder Cup years, would change his mind? Under the new regulation, any player who doesn’t meet the four-event membership minimum is ineligible to captain Europe in the biennial matches against the U.S.
“No, it’s 20 years away,” he said.
So it’s had no effect on your decision? “No”.
Pressed again, McIlroy repeated: “It’s 20 years away.”
“Look, everyone has to look out for themselves and next year I’m looking out for me. At the same time, I don’t have to make a decision on it. I didn’t say that it was a definite. It’s up in the air. I don’t have to make a decision till May. We’ll see how it goes.”
McIlroy, who invited McGinley to his wedding last year, said he understood his friends stance given his connection to the European Tour.
“Again, everyone looks out for themselves. McGinley is on The European Tour board. He’s involved and he has to protect what he has, and I get it.
“Again, look, everyone has to do what’s best for them, and 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.”
And if it causes a stir, is it worth the sacrifice?
“Geez, I’d cause all the stirs in the world if I go back to winning majors.”
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