Harrington defends decision to leave McIlroy out of foursomes

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Rory McIlroy (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

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European Captain Padraig Harrington has explained his decision to leave out Rory McIlroy from this morning’s foursomes, believing five sessions would’ve been a big ask of the world number 15.

McIlroy sits out his first ever Ryder Cup session after a disastrous opening day at Whistling Straits that saw him swept aside in the opening foursomes matches 5&3 alongside Ian Poulter before he partnered Shane Lowry to a 4&3 defeat in the afternoon fourballs.

“We need Rory for the singles,” Harrington told Sky Sports. “Pushing him out this morning, making him play five times, that would be an awful lot. Clearly you’re going to see him this afternoon.”

“His health is good. He’s in a strong state of mind. Look, we’re a strong and balanced team. We know we need a big performance out of him in singles tomorrow so he needs to rest like everybody else.”

Europe are already up against it on Saturday, down in the first two matches at the time of writing with Bernd Wiesberger and Viktor Hovland putting the first bit of blue on the board with a birdie at the first.

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One response to “Harrington defends decision to leave McIlroy out of foursomes”

  1. Seamus McCamphill aged 76 avatar
    Seamus McCamphill aged 76

    The European Tour officials MUST strongly impress on the USGA that booing and other disrespectful chanting/shouting is completely unacceptable in any sport but especially at golf tournaments…Don’t anyone call me”old fashioned”..simple courtesy and decency should still be expected/demanded in 2921..

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