New scheme gives step up for coaches
A FRUSTRATED Rory Mcilroy hopes taking a couple of weeks off will help him eliminate the “dumb mistakes” which are costing him the chance to contend.
The world number one finished joint 11th, his highest placing since the resumption of the PGA Tour, after a final-round 67 at the Travelers Championship in Connecticut.
However, that remained a disappointment to the Northern Irishman after kicking off the week with a brilliant 63.
“There’s been some really good stuff in there, but then just some really stupid mistakes,” said Mcilroy, who had considered playing the Workday Charity Open at Muirfield in Ohio the week before the Memorial Tournament at the same venue starting on July 16 but is now inclined to have the extra time off.
“It’s a little too up and down, a little bit roller coaster-ish, where it didn’t really feel like that before we stopped (following the coronavirus outbreak).
“Over the last few weeks I’ve made too many mistakes, too many bogeys, too many loose shots.
“Decision-making was terrible the last few days. Just some stupid shots and trying to take too much on at times, it’s just sort of dumb mistakes in there that I don’t usually make.”
Asked when he was next likely to play Mcilroy said: “Probably Memorial. Maybe the one before but the way I’m feeling right now, I feel like a couple weeks off.
“Mentally it’s just getting back into that tournament routine, tournament mode, and that’s why I sort of wanted a couple weeks off more than anything else.
“It’s just the mental aspect of it, and especially when you are frustrated. I’ve been frustrated on the course the last three weeks, not being sort of in contention, and sort of sucks going off in the middle of the pack on a Sunday, knowing that you don’t really have a chance.
“A couple weeks at home maybe, just reset and start again.”
Dylan Frittelli has become the latest player to withdraw from a PGA Tour event after testing positive for coronavirus.
The South African was tested ahead of this week’s Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit.
Frittelli said: “I am experiencing no issues and feel great physically and was surprised and disappointed to learn of the positive test today.
“I’m thankful for the WHOOP strap notification of a minor increase in my respiratory rate overnight.
“However, I’m most thankful for the tour’s assistance, procedures and protocols, which I will continue to follow during my self-isolation, so as to keep everyone safe.
“I look forward to getting back on tour once it’s safe to do so.”
Nick Watney was the first player to test positive for Covid-19 following his opening round at the RBC Heritage earlier this month before several
nplayers pulled out of last week’s Travelers Championship.
Cameron Champ and Denny Mccarthy, who hit an opening round of 67, withdrew from the event following positive results, while Graeme Mcdowell and Brooks Koepka did not participate after their respective caddies returned positive tests.
Koepka’s brother Chase and Webb Simpson withdrew having been in close proximity with a person who had subsequently tested positive, while Bud Cauley, who played with Mccarthy but tested negative, pulled out as a precautionary measure.
A PLACEMENT scheme has been set up with a view to improving the representation of individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds in the coaching ranks.
The Premier League, English Football League and Professional Footballers’ Association have worked together to set up the playerto-coach scheme, designed to assist players make the transition at the end of their playing careers.
The scheme will be open to all PFA members from a black, Asian or other ethnic minority background and will initially provide up to six coaches per season with a 23-month placement at an EFL club.
The scheme, jointly funded by the Premier League and the PFA, will have its first intake for the 2020-21 season.
Darren Moore, chair of the Premier League’s Black Participants’ Advisory Group, said: “This is a critical time for black, Asian and minority ethnic coaches.
“We all know and agree that the diversity of coaches and managers must increase and this placement scheme represents a positive step.”
The lack of representation of black people in senior leadership roles in the sport has been in the spotlight because of the increased focus worldwide on the Black Lives Matter movement.
Manchester City and England forward Raheem Sterling has been among those questioning why so few black ex-players have made the transition into coaching or other responsible roles within football clubs.
Moore added: “We need to have the right structures and people in place to develop their careers. We will draw on our expertise to provide guidance to those making the transition into coaching and working in the professional environment.”
Since last summer, EFL clubs have had to interview at least one candidate from an ethnic minority background for every coaching or managerial vacancy when they run a full recruitment process with a shortlist. The PFA pointed out though that it is often the case that appointments are made mid-season without a full process, and urged the EFL to update its regulations to cover every appointment.