Rory McIlroy's about to pickpocket Tiger Woods

Rory McIlroy talks after arrival in County Kilkenny yesterday.

Rory McIlroy, statements

“The last time I was on the 18th green here was that prize-giving ceremony. Tiger Woods won and I somehow sneaked my way under the ropes on to the back of the green. I was standing right behind him and his glove was still in his back pocket. I could have reached out and got it and ran, that would have been a good story to tell. Obviously I didn’t. It was the first time I’d seen him play live. I still remember the first shot I saw him hit, the drive at the 5th, a par five. He hit 2-iron into the green. It was so cool. I’d idolised him growing up and to actually see the man in the flesh was pretty exciting.”

“I’d made a bit of a name for myself as an amateur by then and knew Chubby (Chandler) and Darren (Clarke) so I was in the clubhouse and got to chat to Ernie when he won. It’s amazing to think it’s been 17 year. Certainly a lot’s changed for me since the last time I was here. I might as well play the Scottish as well. My original plan up until last week was us to come as a family, play here, take a week off, which is now the Scottish Open, and play the Open. With me being a sports person the restrictions are not as heavy for me as they would be for Erica and Poppy. I felt it wasn’t fair to put them through what they’d have to go through to be here with me. The plans changed very quickly and we made the decision I travel on my own. I wasn’t going to go back to the States for a week inbetween the Irish and the Open, so if I’m here I might as well play the Scottish as well. It went very quickly from them coming, to not coming and then me playing three events in a row! If anything, it’s probably worked out for the best. It’ll be nice to get a tournament on a links course before going into Sandwich. I didn’t play for a week because I was spending time with the family before being away. So I can now get to work here and in Scotland".

Players have plenty to do to prepare for a PGA TOUR event. From practice rounds to driving-range drills and optimizing equipment, the early days at each event are a busy time for players. Now they’ll have one less thing to do before teeing off Thursday. Asymptomatic, pre-tournament testing for COVID-19 will be discontinued at the 3M Open, which will be played July 22-25 in Blaine, Minnesota. On-site testing will still be available for symptomatic individuals, and the TOUR may still conduct periodic testing of all constituents. Limited “Inside the Bubble” access and the existing autograph policy will stay in place through the TOUR Championship.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3AcKk2K