Report: McIlroy backs off limited Euro Tour schedule
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[December 21, 2018]
Rory McIlroy plans to commit to
two more events in 2019 in order to retain his European Tour
membership, according to a report by The Mirror.
McIlroy, 29, created a firestorm last month when the Northern
Irishman indicated he may not play in enough events to retain his
European Tour membership as he focuses his efforts on the PGA Tour
and the four majors. That led to a meeting with European Tour
executive Keith Pelley, who flew to Belfast last week to meet with
the four-time major champion.
McIlroy had previously committed to the Scottish Open the week
before The Open and the European Masters. He was not planning to
compete in any additional European Tour events until at least July,
but could now play in Dubai in January and add the Irish Open or BMW
PGA Championship to his schedule.
The European Tour requires players to enter a minimum of four events
outside of the majors and World Golf Championship events in order to
maintain their cards. A new European Tour rule also requires Ryder
Cup captains to have never forfeited their membership on the tour.
"Everyone has to look out for themselves and next year I'm looking
out for me," McIlroy told reporters last month. "At the same time, I
don't have to make a decision on it. I didn't say that it was a
definite. It's up in the air. I don't have to make a decision till
May. We'll see how it goes."
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Team Europe's Rory McIlroy celebrates during the Singles
REUTERS/Regis Duvignau
McIlroy, who has not won a major since 2014, said he wants to play
against the strongest fields in the world week in and week out.
"Again, look, everyone has to do what's best for them, and for me
next year, I'm trying to do what's best for me to help get back to
the best player in the world and try to win majors again," he said
last month. "I'd cause all the stirs in the world if I go back to
winning majors."
--Field Level Media
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