McIlroy and Fox dominate the headlines after Open drama
The golf world is reacting to Ryan Fox's eye-catching Open victory over the weekend, but big names including Rory McIlroy have also hit the headlines. Reigning Masters champion McIlroy finished down in a tie for 40th at Royal Birkdale as Fox won his first ever major.
"I didn't feel anything for the putt - everything was shaking that much,"
The New Zealander said after winning by one stroke.
"It's not a very comfortable feeling. It's certainly very enjoyable when you see it go in."
The weekend was full of drama, with Bryson DeChambeau's controversial penalty and McIlroy's continuing feud with the American capturing headlines. Now, though, it's time to look forward. We've got an update on McIlroy's future as well as news on another PGA star. Here are our latest lines.
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McIlroy confirms reduced schedule and FedEx St. Jude absence
Rory McIlroy has continued working on a reduced schedule this year, confirming he won't be present at the FedEx St. Jude Championship. The tournament is scheduled for August 13 in Tennessee and the Northern Irishman admitted his motivation for Tour events isn't as high as it has been in the past.
"I think it just sort of ebbs and flows,"
He said.
"There’s been years where I’ve given it maybe more of my attention and years that I haven’t. Yeah, I guess I’m just at a stage that I have other things that I prioritise. “Again, the PGA Tour is in a lot of flux at the minute with a lot of their schedule and structure and everything like that. So I think the change where it doesn’t matter where you are in the top 30 going into the Tour Championship, it’s like I just need to be in the top 30 going in there to have a chance to win a FedExCup. "So why would I care about the first two? I sort of came to that decision last year, and I’m just sort of doing the same thing.”
Alex Fitzpatrick plans a reset after frustrating Open weekend
Alex Fitzpatrick plans to take some time out to recharge after a frustrating weekend at The Open. The 27-year-old was in the top 10 at the halfway point but fell back dramatically after shooting 77 on Sunday.
"It was c***. No two ways about it. My putting was woeful,"
said Fitzpatrick, whose brother Matt missed the cut at Royal Birkdale.
"I thought some of the pins yesterday were terrible, just brutally honest. And, yeah, mixed with me not playing very good at all, that's what it is."
When asked if he was desperate to get back out on the course to return to form, he added:
"No, I'm having two weeks off. I'm putting the clubs away and having a good reset and actually enjoy my life."
