6 days Ago By [email protected] (Chris Burns)
Padraig Harrington has defended Rory McIlroy after the Northern Irish icon made a controversial comment about the Champions Tour. McIlroy is basking in the success of sealing a legendary career grand slam after clinching the Masters on Sunday. However, his remarks have seen him criticised.
The 35-year-old was largely dismissive of the Tour earlier this year, but his spiky comments, which also irked many in the golfing community, have been expanded on by three-time major winner Harrington. Claiming that he understands Mcilroy's stance, Harrington, 53, says he feels the Holywood native may find himself playing on the Tour once he shifts into his advanced years. "Rory's already been playing competitively since he's say, 10, anyway, so If you told him he has to play for another 20 years that would burn him out right now on the spot," Harrington told the Golf Channel .
"So when he was kind of saying, 'I don't see myself playing in 15 years time', well the reality is, that 15 years will come quick but it's also a protection mechanism to say, 'Hang on a second, this is going to last forever, I have an out'. But the out won't ever come because Rory loves his golf. He's a bit of a golf nerd, Rory, so he's never going to give it up.
" McIlroy was speaking ahead of the Players Championship in March when he insisted that he would not be participating in the senior tournament. "Absolutely not," McIlroy said. "I will not play Champions Tour golf.
Look, I've said a lot of absolutes in my time that I've walked back, but I do not envision playing Champions Tour golf. Something has went (sic) terribly wrong if I have to compete at golf at 50." However, seasoned pro Ernie Els, who has made the transition to the senior circuit, couldn't resist chiming in on McIlroy's stance via social media.
"Interesting to read @McIlroyRory comments today," he posted. "At 35-years-old I was also bulletproof saying things about not playing past 50. I'm 55 now and laughing at my comments from back then.
@ChampionsTour golf is so fulfilling with a great bunch of players we all grew up together from junior golf." Bob Estes, who has claimed four PGA Tour victories, was also quick to challenge McIlroy, posting on X: "I think Rory Mc thinks most of us play the @ChampionsTour because we have to..
. we play the Champ Tour because we still love golf, the camaraderie and we love to compete." Estes also fired a shot at McIlroy's involvement with the Tomorrow Golf League, co-created with Tiger Woods, adding: "Something has gone terribly wrong if I have to play indoor simulator golf.
" This isn't the first time that Harrington has leapt to McIlroy's defence on the matter. Speaking at the Newport Beach Country Club in March, he said: "We've heard a lot of people say that. I've never been happier than out here playing on the Champions Tour.
So look, I think Rory will find that it's likely it will change. There's fun to be had out here." Similar to those on the PGA Tour, senior circuit players compete in year-round events and dedicated majors for those over 50.
However, golfers over 50 aren't required to move over to the Senior Tour, and they can choose to continue competing on the PGA Tour and its majors if they wish to do so. Purchase the Rory McIlroy: The Master special celebratory edition newspaper now..
