RORY MCILROY would agree to contest the Scottish Open for “a few years” if event sponsors and the European Tour agree to allow the 2019 Irish Open to be held the week prior to the Open Championship, which returns to Northern Ireland that year.
McIlroy, who has been the tournament host of the Irish showpiece in recent years, has been in discussions with both European Tour chief executive, Keith Pelley, and the main stakeholders of the Scottish Open and he is hoping both will see the worth and practicality of a one-off swap of weeks next summer
The Scottish Open has long been established in that much-sought after date the week before the Open itself, but with the battle for the Claret Jug next year taking place at Royal Portrush, there is an element of logistical common sense. It will be the first time since 1951 that the Open has been held outside of Scotland and England.
The move could hinge on Martin Gilbert, the head of Standard Life Aberdeen, who are the Scottish Open title sponsors.
“It would be great if the Scottish Open could just switch dates with us for this one year,” said McIlroy.
“We have asked Keith Pelley and Keith advised me that he’s asked Martin Gilbert if he would agree to swap dates with the Irish just for this one year next year.
“It might mean I would agree to play the Scottish Open for a few years but I don’t know.
“Hopefully, they will agree as it would be just for one year and it would just make it so easy for those contesting the Open.
“But then everyone has their own individual agenda, so we’ll see.”
Meanwhile, McIlroy’s coach, Michael Bannon, will head to Florida later this week to fine tune his star pupil after the famed Bear Trap at PGA National handed McIlroy another mauling on the final day of the Honda Classic at the weekend.
The Northern Irishman failed to break 70 over four rounds of the PGA Tour event which was won by Justin Thomas. It was the first time since last May’s Players Championship that McIlroy had not broken 70 over 72-holes.
McIlroy finished in a lowly 59th place at the end of the fifth event of eight he will contest ahead of the Masters.
The Bear Trap, named after course re-designer Jack Nicklaus, comprises the 15th, 16th and 17th holes at PGA National. McIlroy was five-over for that three hole stretch over the four days.
“Looking back on the week, it was a tough first two days and the course played a little easier on the weekend but then I just didn’t play well over the four days,” he said.
“I just need to get onto the range and work a bit on my iron play and my wedge play because playing in the wind this week, the ball just kept creeping back on my stance.
“I then got a little bit in front of it and it would go right and if I didn’t quite time it, it would go left.”
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