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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Mark Donlon

Rory McIlroy criticised over Irish Open decision as golf fans react to Mount Juliet no-show

Rory McIlroy has been criticised by golf fans for his decision not to play at this year's Irish Open at Mount Juliet.

McIlroy will play in the Memorial, the RBC Canadian Open, the Travelers and the US Open before skipping the Irish Open, which takes place from 30 June to 3 July.

And the move has been met with disappointment from golf fans, many of whom believe he should take part in Ireland's flagship competition.

McIlroy outlined his schedule for the coming weeks recently, and in doing so made clear his intention to skip the Irish Open.

He said: 'I'll play these next four weeks and then it’s two weeks out from competitive golf I guess.

"I'll go to Adare Manor and play JP’s Pro-Am and then just probably be around the area that week, play some links golf and then head to St Andrews maybe the weekend before to get some prep done."

Reacting on social media, fans made their feelings about his decision known.

One fan said: "You should always play your own Open! Bad form."

While another reacted to the news by commenting: "Bad scheduling Rory!!!!"

Another fan questioned McIlroy for favouring the JP McManus Pro-Am over the Irish Open.

They said: "But he confirmed he is going to play in JP McManus pro am at Adare Manor the following week!!"

Others defended McIlroy, with one fan pointing to the fact that the Pro-Am is a charitable event and that his presence at the Irish Open in other years was always felt.

They commented: "Some of the comments on this thread from clowns who haven’t a clue about Irish Golf, there would be no Irish Open only for @McIlroyRory [sic].

"Any prize money he won at the event he gave back, the JP Pro-Am is a charity event.

"We have a global superstar & his own people slaughter him."

Another fan was added: "Is it the end of the world? Is he a terrible human being?

No!! But he should play in his Irish Open."

McIlroy finished in eighth place at the recent US PGA Championship at Southern Hills, with a final round 68 leaving him two under par for the tournament.

Speaking to the Irish Independent following the tournament, he said: "I definitely feel like it was one that got away.

"But, again, I have to take the positives – and the fact that eighth place in a Major is absolutely the worst I feel I could've finished last week."

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