| Rory McIlroy has made a last-minute decision to tee it up at the British Masters at Close House next week.
The four-time Major champion has added the European Tour tournament to his schedule after being eliminated from the FedExCup series, the final of which, the Tour Championship, takes place in Atlanta this week. Playing the two events would have been difficult, given the close scheduling, although Masters champion Sergo Garcia had already committed to playing in both. McIlroy will play at the Northumberland venue before taking part in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland a week later. The addition of McIlroy to the British Masters field means there will be three former world No.1s at Close House, with tournament host Lee Westwood and Germany’s Martin Kaymer having also held the prestigious top spot in years gone by. It will be the fourth time McIlroy has featured in the British Masters, having previously played in 2005, 2007 and 2008. McIlroy said: “I’m looking forward to playing my first British Masters for a while. I kind of had it in the back of my mind that if I didn’t make the Tour Championship, then there was a chance to tee it up at Close House, so I have decided to do that before finishing my season off the next week at the Dunhill Links.  “I’m pleased to be able to support Lee next week as well. I know what it’s like to be a tournament host, and I know how much the British Masters means to Lee this year. It looks like he has done a brilliant job, along with Sky Sports and Close House, in putting the event together, and hopefully the crowds will come support us. “Teeing it up next week gives me one more chance to end 2017 on a high as well. If I can sign off the year with a win or two in Newcastle and then St Andrews, I would take so many positives into my six-week recovery period, when I am going to reset mentally and physically and concentrate on getting myself in the right shape for next year.” Westwood is looking forward to welcoming his Ryder Cup teammate to Close House as part of the impressive line-up for the tournament, which takes place from September 28-October 1, preceded by the Hero Pro-Am on Wednesday September 27. “It is great news that Rory will be coming to Close House next week,” said the Englishman. “The first time I played with Rory was actually in the British Masters with Darren (Clarke) at the Forest of Arden, so it’s great to have him back playing in the tournament. We already have really strong field, including Sergio Garcia and Danny Willett, the last two Masters Champions, and I’m delighted Rory is able be part of it too. Everything is shaping up nicely for the tournament and Rory is another great player for the fans to come and see in action at Close House.” For tickets to the British Masters, click here |
