World No.3 Rory McIlroy has revealed why his opted to withdraw from PGA Tour designated event the RBC Heritage.
Following that absence, McIlroy will make his first appearance since missing the cut at The Masters in another designated event, the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow.
Speaking to the Golf Channel’s Todd Lewis during the build-up to the tournament, McIlroy explained the decision to miss the Harbour Town tournament. He said: “More for my mental and emotional well being, I needed to be at home for those few weeks…..I think I’m in a better head space than I was.”
I spoke with Rory McIlroy about taking time off and skipping the @RBC_Heritage. He said, “More for my mental and emotional well being I needed to be at home for those few weeks…..I think I’m in a better head space than I was.” Hear full interview on @GCGolfToday & @GolfCentral.May 2, 2023
The top players are obliged to play all but one of the designated events in 2023 or risk penalties. McIlroy missed the first of those tournaments, the Sentry Tournament of Champions, in January, meaning he was expected to play in the remainder of the higher-profile events this season.
McIlroy’s decision to miss the RBC Heritage raised eyebrows because he has been one of the most vocal proponents of the designated events since their introduction. It appears McIlroy will pay a price for that absence, though, with him reportedly facing a reduction of his PIP award to the tune of around $3m.
Earlier, Barstool Sports’ Dan Rapaport also explained he’d spoken to McIlroy about that withdrawal and was told it was due to personal reasons, and that is a private matter.
Spoke briefly to Rory McIlroy. Said his WD from the RBC Heritage was due to personal reasons and that it’s a private matter. He’s happy to be back at Quail Hollow this week.May 2, 2023
Rapaport also confirmed McIlroy was pleased to be back at Quail Hollow this week. That’s understandable given his record at the course. The four-time Major winner has won the Wells Fargo Championship three times, most recently in 2021, and finished runner-up once.
Given this will be McIlroy’s first appearance since that disappointment at Augusta National, he could barely have chosen a more appropriate tournament to try and put that performance behind him, particularly as he looks to build confidence with the PGA Championship just two weeks away.
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