http://www.thefirstpost.co.uk/82615...hunt-as-he-announces-us-move-tiger-woods-golf
McIlroy on a Tiger hunt as he announces US move
The Northern Irishman says he will concentrate on the US PGA Tour and look for a home in Florida
By Jonathan Harwood
LAST UPDATED 9:37 AM, AUGUST 4, 2011
Perhaps Rory McIlroy has been inspired by all the hoop-la surrounding the return of Tiger Woods to the golf circuit and wants to take him on more regularly, or maybe it is the fact that he prefers the weather in America, but the Northern Irishman has announced that he intends to join the US PGA Tour and set up a home in Florida.
He made the announcement on the eve of the Bridgestone Invitational in Ohio, where he will find himself up against Woods, who is returning to the fairway for the first time since mid-May.
Woods and McIlroy are the two biggest names at the tournament at the Firestone Country Club and if McIlroy comes good on his promise to spend more time in America then they could be fighting it out on a regular basis for some time to come.
The pair showed signs of a healthy rivalry as they exchanged barbs in the run up to the 2010 Ryder Cup, and their battles could be just what the American TV networks are after.
McIlroy explained his decision by saying: "I feel as if I play my best golf over here. I am very comfortable in this country and I am going to look at a few houses in Florida... I'm definitely looking at coming back and playing a full schedule here.
"My game really suits playing courses over here," he added. "You have your favourite events and most of my favourite events seem to be on this side of the pond."
Lawrence Donegan in the Guardian says the decision is a "startling volte-face" as McIlroy gave up his US PGA Tour membership last year. But he suggests that it could be something to do with McIlroy's personal circumstances. He split from his long-term girlfriend last month and has had to deal with a media circus since he won the US Open.
His last two events in Europe, the Open and the Irish Open, have also been played in awful conditions, and McIlroy joked that the weather had played a part in his decision.
Woods declared himself "good to go" earlier in the week after recovering from the knee and achilles problems that have blighted him recently. Byron Bell, a long-standing member of Woods' inner circle, will be caddying for the former world number one over the weekend, and his playing partner will be Darren Clarke, the Open champion and another old friend of Woods.*
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http://www.thefirstpost.co.uk/82615...hunt-as-he-announces-us-move-tiger-woods-golf
McIlroy on a Tiger hunt as he announces US move
The Northern Irishman says he will concentrate on the US PGA Tour and look for a home in Florida
By Jonathan Harwood
LAST UPDATED 9:37 AM, AUGUST 4, 2011
Perhaps Rory McIlroy has been inspired by all the hoop-la surrounding the return of Tiger Woods to the golf circuit and wants to take him on more regularly, or maybe it is the fact that he prefers the weather in America, but the Northern Irishman has announced that he intends to join the US PGA Tour and set up a home in Florida.
He made the announcement on the eve of the Bridgestone Invitational in Ohio, where he will find himself up against Woods, who is returning to the fairway for the first time since mid-May.
Woods and McIlroy are the two biggest names at the tournament at the Firestone Country Club and if McIlroy comes good on his promise to spend more time in America then they could be fighting it out on a regular basis for some time to come.
The pair showed signs of a healthy rivalry as they exchanged barbs in the run up to the 2010 Ryder Cup, and their battles could be just what the American TV networks are after.
McIlroy explained his decision by saying: "I feel as if I play my best golf over here. I am very comfortable in this country and I am going to look at a few houses in Florida... I'm definitely looking at coming back and playing a full schedule here.
"My game really suits playing courses over here," he added. "You have your favourite events and most of my favourite events seem to be on this side of the pond."
Lawrence Donegan in the Guardian says the decision is a "startling volte-face" as McIlroy gave up his US PGA Tour membership last year. But he suggests that it could be something to do with McIlroy's personal circumstances. He split from his long-term girlfriend last month and has had to deal with a media circus since he won the US Open.
His last two events in Europe, the Open and the Irish Open, have also been played in awful conditions, and McIlroy joked that the weather had played a part in his decision.
Woods declared himself "good to go" earlier in the week after recovering from the knee and achilles problems that have blighted him recently. Byron Bell, a long-standing member of Woods' inner circle, will be caddying for the former world number one over the weekend, and his playing partner will be Darren Clarke, the Open champion and another old friend of Woods.*
*
http://www.thefirstpost.co.uk/82615...hunt-as-he-announces-us-move-tiger-woods-golf
