McIlroy: I’ll quit tour if it gives me major shot

By DEREK LAWRENSON

Rory McIlroy remained defiant yesterday amid the gathering tide of criticism over his threat to quit the European Tour. ‘I’d cause all the stirs in the world if I can get back to winning majors,’ he said.

out on the course at the DP World Tour Championship, Francesco Molinari shot 68 to strengthen his grip on the race to Dubai, while Tommy Fleetwood was compiling a dogged 69 to retain some hope of pipping him at the post.

Elsewhere, though, the McIlroy furore dominated conversation. Paul McGinley is close to McIlroy and attended his wedding last year, but he spoke for many in expressing astonishment.

‘It’s quite extraordinary that rory’s not going to play four events to fulfil his European Tour membership,’ said the Irishman, in his Sky Sports column.

‘I’ve been racking my brains wondering how that can be.

‘obviously, rory has his own rationale but I’m finding it hard to understand.’

McIlroy’s reasoning is that he wants to concentrate on playing in America next season against the best players week-in, week-out, because that gives him the best chance of ending his four-year drought at the majors.

But, given how easy it would be for him to play four European Tour events without affecting his major ambitions, many believe there’s much more to this than meets the eye. Whatever the truth, he’s certainly not in the mood to back down.

Asked whether he was aware that quitting the tour for a year would rule him out of becoming ryder Cup captain in the future, McIlroy shrugged, said that he was, and added: ‘It’s 20 years down the line.’

He means there will be no such regulation when it comes around to his turn — or no European Tour by then, with it swallowed up by the PGA Tour. or, most likely, both.

As for McGinley’s comments, McIlroy responded: ‘Everyone has to look after themselves and next year I’m going to be looking after me. I get where McGinley is coming from.

‘He is on the European Tour board and he has to protect what he has. I’m trying to do what’s best for me to get back to winning majors.’

McIlroy added that he had not closed the door entirely, saying: ‘I didn’t say it was definite. I just said it was up in the air and I don’t have to decide until May. let’s wait and see.’

As regards his golf, on a course where he has won twice and never finished worse than 11th in eight appearances, he opened with a useful 69.

Fleetwood needs to win the event and hope Molinari finishes worse than sixth to retain his overall race to Dubai title.

England’s Jordan Smith and Spaniard Adrian otaegui lead the way after their six-under 66s. Sole Scot russell Knox opened up with a one-over par 73.