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Rory McIlroy has confirmed he has NOT renewed his membership of the European Tour… at least not yet.

The former world No.1 courted controversy late last year when he described the tour as a ‘stepping stone’, hinting he might sacrifice his membership this year in order to focus on playing on the PGA Tour.

It had been thought that crisis talks with the tour’s chief executive Keith Pelley had convinced the Northern Irishman to think again.

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However, speaking to long-time golf writer Bernie McGuire of Golfbytourmiss.com, McIlroy elaborated on his plans.

“Whatever I earn next week in Mexico will not count on the Race to Dubai as I’ve not re-joined the European Tour,” he told McGuire ahead of the final round of the Genesis Open at the weekend.

Rory Mc Ilroy 2019 Genesis Open

“I was, for one reason or another, going to re-join at the end of last year but I didn’t though I’ll probably re-join in May.”

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It is thought that McIlroy will play just four ‘regular’ events on the Race To Dubai this season. He is expected to play in the Omega European Masters in August, and is strongly tipped to feature in the Scottish Open at The Renaissance in July to tune up for The Open at Royal Portrush the following week.

McIlroy has made an encouraging start to 2019, posting top five finishes from each of his first three starts.


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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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