McDowell backs Rory’s decision to quit US Tour

GRAEME MCDOWELL understands why Rory McIlroy quit the US Tour while Pádraig Harrington is anxious to discuss the decision with the Ulster star.

McDowell is returning to the US Tour in 2011, five years after attempting to compete in both Europe and the States. And while the US Open champion has the luxury of a house in Orlando, he understands McIlroy’s move to quit after just one season across the Atlantic.

“I can see where Rory is coming from. The phrase ‘home is where the heart is’ sums it up very well,” said McDowell ahead of the Barclays Singapore Open.

“It was easy for me to make my decision to take out a US Tour card again next year because for the past 10 years I have had a home in Orlando. So I spend a lot of time there. Having an established base there is a big help as it cuts down a lot of flying to and from America, and as Rory has found out that can be very tiring.

“You have to understand just how much Rory likes to be get back to Ireland and spend time with his girlfriend Holly and his friends. It’s very important to him.”

However Harrington, who has played full-time in the States since 2006, plans to talk with McIlroy about his move.

“There are pros and cons on both sides of the argument,” said Harrington.

“I will have a chat with Rory when I get the chance to see what he says. I have always enjoyed playing in the States, and I have many friends over there. I am comfortable over there and enjoy life there, but then I enjoy playing the European Tour, as well. So there is pros and cons for both.”

Harrington was guest of honour yesterday at a special Barclays Singapore Open ‘roadshow’ in the heart of the city.

The Dubliner is among nine Irish competing in the $6m event boasting a large field of 204 competing on two courses on Sentosa Island.

McIlroy isn’t the only one struggling with the demands of life on Tour as Australia’s Geoff Ogilvy yesterday admitted balancing being a father of three children aged four and under with a professional golf career has taken a toll.

The 33-year-old Victorian ended 2009 ranked No.14 in the world, having won twice on the US PGA Tour last year before starting this year in similar fashion with victory in January’s SBS Championship.

But, in February, wife Juli gave birth to their third child, Harvey, who joined now-four-year-old Phoebe and two-year-old Jasper. After a mostly frustrating golf year since caused his ranking to slip to No.38, Ogilvy admits the juggling act has proved difficult.

“Evidently this year I didn’t juggle it very well,” Ogilvy said at Victoria Golf Club, ahead of this week’s Australian Masters.

“Definitely having three kids in three years, it’s been hard. It’s been the best four years of my life so far, it’s been incredible, but there’s been periods where I have perhaps not managed my time. “It’s not that the golf makes it hard, it’s just that your house is a lot more crazier ... maybe at this point where I haven’t got it right both ways.”