Defending Champion Rory McIlroy Officially Out Of The Open
/There go the images of Rory handing off the jug to Chief Inspector Dawson, dreams of a shootout with stars young and old, or even an appearance at the champions go-round Wednesday afternoon. All in the name of being a guys guy, or whatever all that jibberish was we read the last few days to rationalize a huge mistake in the heart of the season.
The message posted on Instagram just two days after revealing the injury that happened four days ago:
After much consideration, I have decided not to play in the Open Championship at St. Andrews. I’m taking a long term view of this injury and, although rehab is progressing well, I want to come back to tournament play when I feel 100% healthy and 100% competitive. Thank you for all your support and best wishes. I hope to be back on the course as soon as I can.... In the mean time, come on Andy!!!
**Ewan Murray in The Guardian notes:
McIlroy is the first champion not to defend the Claret Jug since 1954. Then, Ben Hogan simply opted not to return to the Open. Clearly, this was one piece of golfing history McIlroy would rather not have made. His absence at St Andrews will end a run of 26 straight major appearances.
James Corrigan in The Telegraph:
Jamie Spence, the former European Tour pro who is in charge of Team GB’s golf team for the Olympic Games next year, has been one of the very few golf figures to dare criticise McIlroy for playing football less than two weeks before the Open. “You do it in your off time, you do it in the winter time, not so close to one of the majors,” Spence told the BBC World Service.
