McIlroy slams easy Tour

St Andrews just not tough enough, says Rory

RORY McIlroy slammed the European Tour after the final round at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews on Sunday, saying courses were often too easy to properly test the world’s best players.

McIlroy’s frustration boiled over after he shot 15 under par in the pro-am tournament played on three great Scottish links, the St Andrews Old Course, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns. Despite his impressive score, the Northern Irishman finished back in the pack in a tie for 26th.

Victor Perez clinched his first European Tour title in the event after holding his nerve to pip Matthew Southgateby one shot.

In his rookie season, Perez recorded a final round of 70 at the Old Course at St Andrews to reach 22 under par and become the first Frenchman to win the tournament.

England’s Southgate was alone in second a shot further back after he carded two bogeys on the back nine and failed to make the birdie he needed at the last to force a play-off.

McIlroy did not hold back in his criticism of the tournament in which he finished second in the teams event, partnering his dad, Gerry. The pair was beaten on a countback by Tommy Fleetwood and partner Ogden Phipps.

“I’m sort of honestly sick of coming back over to the European Tour and shooting 15 under par and finishing 30th,” the world No.2 said.

“I don’t think the courses are set up hard enough. There’s no penalties for bad shots. It’s tough when you come back when it’s like that. I don’t feel like good golf is regarded as well as it could be.”

McIlroy was previously disappointed by the set up at the Scottish Open at the Renaissance Club in North Berwick in July.

He shot 13 under par that week and finished equal 34th.

“It’s not a good test,” he said.

Wind is usually the best defence for links courses, but both tournaments were played in fairly calm conditions.

It remains to be seen whether McIlroy’s latest frustration affects his European Tour schedule. He almost quit the tour this year to focus solely on the US-based PGA Tour, but subsequently decided to play enough tournaments to maintain his membership and remain eligible for Ryder Cup selection.

McIlroy has played five times in Europe this year, including the British Open. “I think if the European Tour want to put forth a really good product, the golf courses and set-ups need to be tougher,” said the four-times major champion.