Food poisoning fells McIlroy
SHANGHAI: Rory McIlory’s preparations for this week’s WGC-HSBC Champions event in Shanghai have been heavily disrupted by a bout of food poisoning that has kept the Northern Irishman from the course.
The world No 3 missed a promotional event on Tuesday and withdrew from yesterday’s pro-am competition after being unable to hit balls on the practice range.
“I’m not feeling great, to be honest,” McIlroy said. “I had something (to eat) a couple of nights ago, and yesterday wasn’t good at all.
“I thought I would be better this morning. But I had a piece of toast and a couple of bits of melon for breakfast, and I came here and tried to hit some balls, but even just making a couple of swings my stomach was too sore.
“I just need another day of rest, and hopefully I will be better tomorrow and I can play. I was up from about 1am to 4am last night. The night before it didn’t start until about 4am, so it hasn’t been great.”
McIlroy said he had been given antibiotics and painkillers for the abdominal pain.
The four-time Major winner is scheduled to begin his opening round at 10.45am local time today with American duo Dustin Johnson and Rickie Fowler at the $8.5 million (R129 million) event.
“I was thinking of trying to play nine holes, but that would probably do me more harm than good. It would be nice to see the golf course before tomorrow, but I’ve played it a few times,” said.
“I didn’t play last year, but I know the place well and (my caddie) J P has been out there, so it is better that I rest and get my energy up for tomorrow.”
McIlroy leads England’s Danny Willett, Irishman Shane Lowry and South African Louis Oosthuizen in the European Tour’s Race to Dubai standings, with only three tournaments remaining in the season.
McIlroy will be keen to play this week in a tournament that has yielded him good results in the past.
The Northern Irishman has finished no worse than sixth in his four appearances at the Sheshan Golf Club.
“It has been a really, really good tournament for me,” said McIlroy. “I’ve not won it, but I’ve been close. Hopefully if I can get through the first couple of days and play okay, I’ll be feeling a lot better at the weekend and I can make a run at it.” – Reuters
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26-year-old ANTHONY Michael played his way into a share of the lead at the Nedbank Affinity Cup with a round of 67 at Lost City Golf Course yesterday.
“Through the year I’ve been playing decent golf, but it’s now starting to show in my scores. My whole game feels better, but I think it’s the mental side that has really changed. I’m thinking better around the course and managing my game correctly,” he said.
The wind wreaked havoc on most of the field, but Michael kept his cool and reached the clubhouse on an eight-under-par total, tied for the lead with Jean Hugo.
“You have to guess where the breeze is, and commit from there,” said Michael.
“When you’re zoned in and hitting the ball nicely it becomes easier to trust your game and swing it freely.
“I bogeyed the 10th, which was my first hole of the day, but made an eagle at the next and carried that momentum right the way through my round,” he added.
The 30-year-old shot a finalround 64 at Koro Creek Golf Estate a fortnight ago to finish sole fourth at the Vodacom Origins of Golf.
He carried the good form across to Sun City this week.
Meanwhile, Hugo was keen to contend for the title and aimed to lift his third trophy of the year.
“I played well this morning and maybe got a bit cautious. I’m still happy that I shot 70 today, especially with the wind swirling. I’m in a good space at the moment and looking forward to tomorrow,” said the 18-time Sunshine Tour winner.
Also in with a shout was Justin Harding, who was sole third on seven under par. – SunshineTour.com