Rory McIlroy Chooses Open de France over Bridgestone
by Maura Hutchinson
The two events clash this year as the summer Olympics forced the PGA to reshuffle the WGC – Bridgestone to the same week as the Open de France. A move that has totally miffed European Tour bosses. In an effort to ensure the 100th Open de France still attracts big names from Europe, the Tour refused to sanction this year’s WGC – Bridgestone, meaning the points/money won at the tournament won’t count towards the Race to Dubai or the Ryder Cup.
McIlroy’s announcement gives the European Tour a huge boost especially since the Nike player won the Bridgestone in 2014. However, this time around McIlroy feels the Le Golf National course will be a better warm up for the Open at Royal Troon two weeks later.
“Le Golf National might not be a pure links course, but it is traditionally firm and fast and can throw up some tricky conditions,” explained McIlroy. “It’s a great test of golf and playing there, as well as staying in Europe, will offer the best conditions to prepare for The Open at Troon.”
“It will also be great to be part of the centennial edition of the French Open, which is one of the best events on the European Tour,” added the Northern Irishman. “I am sure there will be a special atmosphere at the tournament this year so I’m looking forward to hopefully being a very big part of it.”