21/02/2019

Rory McIlroy To Miss Irish Open

Rory McIlroy will not compete in this year's Irish Open at Lahinch.

He has confirmed that he will concentrate on preparing for the The Open Championship in Portrush.

Speaking to BBC Sport Northern Ireland, McIlroy, 29, said he would not play at the National Open, which is held two weeks before The Open, as he believed it would give him a better chance at the Portrush event.

The Open is being held in NI for the first time since 1951.

"If there is ever a year when I feel I can miss this Irish Open, it's this year," said McIlroy.

(MH)

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