Rory McIlroy has laid out his priorities as the PGA Tour star takes a break from the sport, confirming he will not play at the FedEx St. Jude Championship in August. The Northern Irishman, who finished tied for 40th at The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, admitted his motivation for Tour events is not as high as it has been in the past.
McIlroy's Honest Assessment
Speaking ahead of his reduced schedule, McIlroy said: "I think it just sort of ebbs and flows. There’s been years where I’ve given it maybe more of my attention and years that I haven’t. Yeah, I guess I’m just at a stage that I have other things that I prioritise."
He cited the PGA Tour's uncertain future as a factor: "The PGA Tour is in a lot of flux at the minute with a lot of their schedule and structure and everything like that. So I think the change where it doesn’t matter where you are in the top 30 going into the Tour Championship, it’s like I just need to be in the top 30 going in there to have a chance to win a FedExCup. So why would I care about the first two? I sort of came to that decision last year, and I’m just sort of doing the same thing."
Open Championship Drama
The Open at Royal Birkdale saw Ryan Fox claim his first major title by one stroke. Fox described the final putt: "I didn't feel anything for the putt - everything was shaking that much. It's not a very comfortable feeling. It's certainly very enjoyable when you see it go in."
The weekend was also marked by Bryson DeChambeau's controversial penalty and McIlroy's ongoing feud with the American. McIlroy finished in a tie for 40th, while Alex Fitzpatrick, who was in the top 10 at the halfway point, fell back after a final-round 77.
Fitzpatrick's Frustration and Plans
Fitzpatrick, 27, was blunt about his performance: "It was c***. No two ways about it. My putting was woeful." He also criticised the pin placements: "I thought some of the pins yesterday were terrible, just brutally honest. And, yeah, mixed with me not playing very good at all, that's what it is."
When asked if he was eager to get back on the course, Fitzpatrick said: "No, I'm having two weeks off. I'm putting the clubs away and having a good reset and actually enjoy my life." His brother Matt missed the cut at Royal Birkdale.
