McIlroy Responds To 2019 Schedule Criticisms

The four-time major winner says "Everyone has to look out for themselves and next year I'm looking out for me"

McIlroy Responds To 2019 Schedule Criticisms

Rory McIlroy has responded to criticisms over his 2019 schedule which could possibly see him play just two regular European Tour events.

If he were to play just two regular European Tour events he would relinquish the chance to become a European Ryder Cup Captain or Vice Captain in the future due to a new rule.

However, on captaining his continent McIlroy didn't seem too bothered, telling the BBC's Iain Carter, "It's 20 years away."

Paul McGinley has described McIlroy's possible 2019 schedule as “very disappointing.”

Related: McGinley on McIlroy's possible European Tour snub "very disappointing"

The four-time major winner says he'll begin the year in Hawaii at the PGA Tour's Tournament of Champions before taking a prolonged break which will see him play again in March at the Players Championship as the PGA Tour's biggest events get underway.

McIlroy is reported to be playing the Omega European Masters due to sponsorship requirements and then the Scottish Open.

He is said to be skipping the Irish Open, which will be hosted by Paul McGinley.

Those two are the only European Tour events he currently has on his schedule.

Expand McGinley Calls McIlroy’s Possible European Tour Snub “Very Disappointing”

McGinley Calls McIlroy’s Possible European Tour Snub “Very Disappointing”

Paul McGinley is disappointed by the news that…

Expand Rory McIlroy UK’s Wealthiest Sports Star 30 Or Under

Rory McIlroy UK’s Wealthiest Sports Star 30 Or Under

The 29-year-old comes out top in the Sunday…

Expand McGinley Says McIlroy No Longer The Best Player

McGinley Says McIlroy No Longer The Best Player

McGinley thinks McIlroy has fallen behind the likes…

Expand Rory McIlroy Gym Routine… Revealed!

Rory McIlroy Gym Routine… Revealed!

We discovered how Rory McIlroy keeps himself so…

McIlroy says he spoke to European Tour Chief Executive Keith Pelley about next season's plans at the Nedbank Golf Challenge last week.

"Everyone has to look out for themselves and next year I'm looking out for me," McIlroy explained.

"At the same time, I don't have to make a decision on it. I didn't say that it was a definite. It's up in the air. I don't have to make a decision until May. We'll see how it goes."

On McGinley's comments, he said "Again, everyone looks out for themselves.

"McGinley is on The European Tour board. He's involved and he has to protect what he has, and I get it.

"Again, look, everyone has to do what's best for them, and for me next year, I'm trying to do what's best for me to help get back to the best player in the world and try to win majors again."

For all the latest golf news, check the Golf Monthly website and follow our social media channels