Sign up for our daily newsletter
Latest news, reviews, analysis and opinion, plus unmissable deals for bunkered subscriptions, events, and our commercial partners.
Paul McGinley has hit out at Rory McIlroy’s suggestion that he might sacrifice his European Tour membership next season.
The four-time major winner revealed on Tuesday that he plans to play only two regular European Tour events from January.
Tour regulations stipulate that he must play four to be eligible for full membership.
• Fancy three FREE rounds of golf? Right this way…
• Lee Westwood explains reason for split with caddie Foster
Asked if he would be renewing his membership by reporters in Dubai – where this week’s European Tour season culminates – McIlroy added: “I don’t know.” He has until May to make a decision.
The suggestion that he might abandon the European Tour has been widely criticised on social media and, writing in his latest Sky Sports Golf blog today, 2014 Ryder Cup winning captain Paul McGinley described the suggestion as ‘quite extraordinary’.
“It’s very disappointing and it is obviously a blow for the European Tour,” wrote McGinley. “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.”
• Lexi Thompson splits with Scots caddie McAlpine
By sacrificing his membership, McIlroy would be putting his Ryder Cup eligibility – and his future captaincy prospects – in jeopardy, but MCGinley doesn’t think his fellow Irishman has considered that.
“I don’t think Rory is worried about what is going to happen in 20 years, which is what he would be looking at if he was going to become Ryder Cup captain or vice-captain,” he added. “At this moment, he is worried about his golf and focused on what he’s doing in the next 12 months.
• David Law: Life, loss and the long road to the top
• Pro suffers ‘horrible’ Q-School DQ
“At the end of the day, these players are sole traders and they make their own decisions. They make their own schedules and whether it be the PGA Tour or the European Tour, it’s very hard to get them to turn up. They will do what they want to do.”
ALL ABOUT THE MASTERS
More Reads
The bunkered Golf Course Guide - Scotland
Now, with bunkered, you can discover the golf courses Scotland has to offer. Trust us, you will not be disappointed.
Find Courses