A Twitter turmoil has seemingly led World No. 1 Rory McIlroy pulling the plug on a chance to play golf alongside NBA legend Michael Jordan.
McIlroy withdrew from teeing up at the Medalist Club tomorrow (FRID) with Jordan and former NFL great and sports reporter, Ahmad Rashad as their intended amateur foursome partners.
According to the Golf Channel, McIlroy has received so many indifferent comments to his Twitter account questioning why he’s playing at the Medalist and not committing himself to tee up in Arnold Palmer’s hosted Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill.
After a much-awaited last round 65 last week at the WGC – Cadillac Championship McIlroy has decided to not play again on the PGA Tour to the Shell Houston Open in a fortnight’s time.
It will mean McIlroy will head to Augusta National and the first Major of 2013 with just five tournaments under his belt in what will be the 16th week of PGA Tour competition this year.
But while McIlroy has received unnecessary criticism in recent weeks about his 2013 schedule, former World No. 1 Luke Donald is in complete sympathy with the 23-year old Northern Irishman.
“It is a tricky thing, especially if you’re‑‑ like Rory and I play both tours,” said Donald.
“You feel like you spread yourself a little bit thin. Rory’s obviously playing three or four or five events less, or planning to play three or four or five events less this year than he did last year, and that thins him out even more.
“And when you get off to the slow start that he did, sometimes the best way to get out of a funk like that is just to play, and to play‑‑ just get reps and get competitive rounds under your belt.
“I’m sure he juggled that in his mind a little bit, whether to add another event or something, just to do that.
“But at the same time, you also are planning your schedule around majors, and trying to be ready and rested enough where you don’t feel like you’ve played a ton of golf leading up to the majors.
Obviously the Masters is a little bit easier, the first one, and you can sort of plan your way up to that one. The others, you’re starting to play a few more events.
Obviously the Masters is a little bit easier, the first one, and you can sort of plan your way up to that one. The others, you’re starting to play a few more events.
“That’s certainly my mind‑set when I set my schedule. I also want to play the events where I feel like I have a chance to win. But being rested and feeling like you’re not overdoing it is important, too. It’s a fine balance,”
