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Less than 24 hours after saying he was ‘sick’ of European Tour courses, Rory McIlroy has conceded that the timing of his criticism could have been better.

In a post on Instagram this morning, the world No.2 said that he picked the moment to call for tougher set-ups on the tour.

However, he’s standing by the observations he made.

“I understand voicing my concerns about golf course set ups in Europe to the media, at a pro am event on benign links courses, wasn’t the right place to do it or the right people talk to about it,” wrote the 30-year-old.

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“I was venting yesterday but I can assure you it came from the right place.”

McIlroy’s comments came after his 15-under-par total amounted to no better than a tie for 26th at St Andrews.

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In four ‘regular’ European Tour appearances this year, the four-time major champ is a combined 53-under-par but has nothing better than a tie for second at the European Masters to show for his efforts.

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“Strategy, course management and shot making are important aspects of tournament golf that are being slowly taken out of the game at the top level, not just in Europe but worldwide” he added.

“I would personally like to see tougher set ups in Europe because it will produce better, more complete young players in the future and that can only be a good thing for our game and our Ryder Cup chances going forward.”


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Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor

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