Rory McIlroy has just had a pop at Butch

[phil.smith]

I seem to recall one of the reasons McIlroy isn't at the Players is that as a non PGA Tour member he can't play more than 12 events a year. Given the 4 majors, the 4 WGC events plus a few others, some events have to miss out.

[deasy55]

Originally Posted by phil.smith

I seem to recall one of the reasons McIlroy isn't at the Players is that as a non PGA Tour member he can't play more than 12 events a year. Given the 4 majors, the 4 WGC events plus a few others, some events have to miss out.

Exactly. He needs those other events to prepare for majors/defend Quail Hollow. It was either defend Quail Hollow or play The Players and he chose to defend his title. I don't see what's wrong with that? The Players is only considered 'The 5th Major' in the USA....everywhere else it's just a regular PGA Tour event (a good one at that but that's besides the point).

[trickymicky69]

The best week in, week out?

You would assume from your comments that you mean the majority of the top ten then?

Why are 60% Europeans then?

You talk out of your backside!

The last four major winners aren't American either

Originally Posted by henniebogan1966

Butch Harmon has every right to comment on the decision Rory made as it's a big tournament. Second only to the majors in terms of OWGR points awarded. Rory needs to button it and focus on his game. Other than Quail Hollow Rory hasn't done much over here and here is where the best in the world play week in and week out. But if his choice is to play in mostly 2nd tier events across the pond, that's his business and his world ranking should and will suffer for it.