Mcilroy opts for French Open over WGC

[WillC]

As the title suggests...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/golf/36128735

Says it will better prepare him for the Open. Also European Tour won't be recognizing the WGC Invitational as one of the Events.

Surprised as he is a previous winner of this WGC, but good for the European Tour as he is choosing a national open over a PGA event! Fair play to him, thinking of the upcoming Open also.

 

[patricks148]

fair play to him, i guess that the irish open isn't on a links course this year so it prob his only chance of some competitive golf as i can't see him going to CS either

 

[Deleted member 1418]

Great news for the European Tour.

 

[Val]

fair play to him, i guess that the irish open isn't on a links course this year so it prob his only chance of some competitive golf as i can't see him going to CS either

Im sure he already said he's not playing the Scottish Open

 

[Region3]

Maybe not the only reason, but the main one will be because it counts as 2 events towards Ryder Cup eligibility.

 

[Hosel Fade]

Maybe not the only reason, but the main one will be because it counts as 2 events towards Ryder Cup eligibility.

And Bridgestone ranking points/money don't count towards the Ryder Cup qualifying. Obviously not so much of an issue if you are Rory but I'm certain a few more fringe players will choose to play Paris over the WGC. Must be a tough one for Lowry to name one, defend your title or try and get on the Ryder Cup team with one of the biggest purses on the ET.

 

[Lord Tyrion]

Good to see the ET fighting back.

 

[ArnoldArmChewer]

We are all disappointed that he hasn't taken up our invitation, our sunday swindle will be a lesser thing without him.

AAC - member at WGC golf club

 

[WillC]

Anybody seen Rory's tweet on this?

STP, or 'Secret Tour Pro' as he is called on Twitter, implied that Rory was playing in France Purely for money. (without actually saying it of course.)

On this occasion, I think it actually isn't about the money, and believe it is for genuine, productive reasons, i.e Ryder cup eligibility, Euro 2016, likes the course etc etc.

So, Rory has quoted the STP tweet which is subtly suggesting he is playing for money, and his response reads.....

"Paris is a great city..Supporting my home tour and not getting paid a penny to play. Less travel always a bonus too"

Good on you Rory! Gained a lot of respect for him for this whole situation if I am honest.

 

[Garush34]

Also as its a double counting event means he only needs to play 12 events this year instead of the usual 13, extra week off if he wants especially with the packed summer schedule.

 

[Stuey01]

Also as its a double counting event means he only needs to play 12 events this year instead of the usual 13, extra week off if he wants especially with the packed summer schedule.

Rules have changed, he needs to play 5 outside of WGC and Majors. This counts double, so it is only 4 including this one.

I'm sure the fact that the Ryder cup will be played at this venue in 2 years is a pretty big factor. Opportunity to play the course under tournament conditions.

Let's be honest, this decision makes absolute sense for Rory. It's not out of the goodness of his heart, or any sense of duty.

 

[Garush34]

Rules have changed, he needs to play 5 outside of WGC and Majors. This counts double, so it is only 4 including this one.

I'm sure the fact that the Ryder cup will be played at this venue in 2 years is a pretty big factor. Opportunity to play the course under tournament conditions.

Let's be honest, this decision makes absolute sense for Rory. It's not out of the goodness of his heart, or any sense of duty.

Yeah I know there rules have changed, but for guys like Rory things really haven't changed because when it was 13 that included the majors and WGC's, which he plays in plus 5 others, so changing it down to 5 without the majors and WGC's he's in the same place really. The new rule only really helps the guys on the cusp of the big events or the Europeans playing the PGA tour, like Casey, Knox and Lingmerth for example.

 

[Hendy]

fair play to him, i guess that the irish open isn't on a links course this year so it prob his only chance of some competitive golf as i can't see him going to CS either

Irish open was to be played in Lough Erne resort but being moved now to a links course as far as I know it not be confirmed but Portstewart was a front running. IMHO a better links course than Portrush.

 

[smange]

Irish open was to be played in Lough Erne resort but being moved now to a links course as far as I know it not be confirmed but Portstewart was a front running. IMHO a better links course than Portrush.

That's next year Hendy 😉

This years Irish Open is at The K Club

 

[mikejohnchapman]

Clearly a judgement call but I'm sure playing the next European Ryder Cup venue has something to do with it.

If you add the desert swing to the Irish Open and this he is sorted for his tour qualifications and I presume he feels his major / WGC performances will get him into the Race to Dubai final series.

Power is all in the hands of the players now and I assume we won't see him in England this year.