Despite some initial apprehension Rory McIlroy has declared himself available for next year’s rescheduled Irish Open at Carton House.
The European Tour has yet to confirm the dates and the location but the Irish Open is swapping places with the BMW International Open and moving forward to the week after the 2014 US Open at Pinehurst.
For the past four seasons, including 2011 when he captured the US Open, McIlroy has never competed in the week following the season’s second Major Championship.
“It’s tough going straight from competing in a Major and straight back onto the Tour, as will be the case for next year the Irish Open,” he said.
“It is the Irish Open and I guess I am expected to play, I suppose.
“But it’s okay and I know where BMW is coming from with wanting to have their event two weeks after the US Open.”
- Rory McIlroy (red shirt) mobbed after his second round in the BMW Masters. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)
And McIlroy’s confirmed also his early New Year schedule competing in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, the 25th anniversary Omega Dubai Desert Classic, the WGC – Accenture Match-Play Championship, Honda Classic and WGC – Cadillac Championship.
“I didn’t play Dubai last year but being a past winner I’m going back as part of the tournaments 25th celebrations which will be nice,” he said.
Also after a last minute decision to add the Valero Texas Open to his schedule this year, and an event he finished runner-up, McIlroy confirmed he will play both Texas events next season with the Shell Houston Open swapping places with San Antonio and back to being staged the week prior the Masters.
McIlroy was commenting after adding a second round 72 to remain at one under par in continuing cold and windy conditions on day two of the BMW Masters in Shanghai.
American Luke Guthrie, competing in a maiden European Tour event, extended his lead by four shots with a round of 71 for an eight under par tally and with reigning Irish Open winner, Paul Casey (70) among six players in second spot at four under par.
