Following confirmation that Rory McIlroy will not compete at this year’s Open in St Andrews, social media websites have been rife with debate.
The world no. 1 golfer has been forced to withdraw from the Major he won last year after rupturing the anterior talofibular ligament in his left ankle during a game of football with close friends.
McIlroy confirmed the news via his Instagram account on Wednesday:
The latest development has fuelled the war of words on Twitter in particular, with a clear divide on whether McIlroy’s decision to play football the week before a Major was innocent or blatantly naïve. Here, we’ve pulled together a selection of tweets from sports writers, golf fans and general members of the public who have had their say. First up is Irish Independent writer Vincent Hogan, who feels the criticism of McIlroy is harsh.
Anyone who thinks McIlroy irresponsible to play 5-side really needs to get out more — Vincent Hogan (@Vincent_Hogan) July 8, 2015
That view is echoed by Sporting Life’s golf editor Ben Coley, who invited his followers to take a reality check on the situation.
Any sportsman who puts enjoying life ahead of a legacy which grows when they're dead is a winner with me. Rory strikes a brilliant balance. — Ben Coley (@BenColeyGolf) July 6, 2015
Paul Hayward, chief sports writer at The Telegraph, is another high-profile journalist who has defended McIlroy’s actions.
Who wants to live in a world where Rory McIlroy has to think: 'I'd better not have a kickabout with my mates. The Open is coming up.'
— Paul Hayward (@_PaulHayward) July 7, 2015
Meanwhile, Irish golfer Shane Lowry can’t see what all the fuss is about.
'He likes playing football, what's wrong with that?' - Lowry defends McIlroy's kickabout http://t.co/vYi9nXfwBA pic.twitter.com/uBFdrj5cUl
— The42.ie (@The42_ie) July 6, 2015
However, it hasn’t all been messages of support for the Holywood native, with golf fans keen to point out that they’d paid for tickets to watch the world’s no. 1 in action.
@_PaulHayward those of us with tickets are feeling pretty glum about it too. — Jason Keen (@Jason_Keen) July 7, 2015
Rory Mcilroy you fool
— Josh Ashton (@joshashtongolf) July 6, 2015
Indeed, it would seem the criticism of McIlroy from the general public greatly outweighs the support.
@UltimateFinance erm, Rory McIlroy, why on earth would he be playing football the week before the Open. What an idiot..
— Nick Smith (UFG) (@nsmith_1975) July 9, 2015
Rory McIlroy is an idiot. 2 majors, race to Dubai and fed ex cup still to play for and he will more than likely miss it all. — Darren P (@darrenp22) July 8, 2015
Let us know your opinion in the comments box below.
