• PGA Tour

McIlroy joins Westwood in Players Championship snub

ESPN staff
January 26, 2011
Lee Westwood has opted to support the European Tour rather than playing at the Players Championship, and Rory McIlroy has now followed suit © Getty Images
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Rory McIlroy has followed Lee Westwood by confirming that he will not compete in the Players Championship this year.

Westwood and McIlroy opted to take up European Tour membership for 2011, meaning they can only play in three events on the US circuit outside of the majors.

Although the Players would seem a natural choice for one of those three events - it is regarded as golf's fifth major - both have rejected the opportunity to appear at TPC Sawgrass in May.

Westwood explained his snub by declaring a preference to support the European Tour, while McIlroy has refused because of concerns over the course.

The Ulsterman was at pains to insist that his decision had nothing to do with any ill-feeling against the PGA Tour, where he played the bulk of his golf in 2010.

"For everyone who is interested, the reason I'm not playing TPC this year is because I've never thought the golf course has set up that well for me," McIlroy said.

"Hence two missed cuts in two years. I have no sort of vendetta against PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem or the PGA Tour, I love playing in the US and have always found the people very welcoming.

"I'm sure one day I'll join the PGA Tour again, but right now I want to put all my efforts into Europe and the race to Dubai. Hope this clears a few things up!"

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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