Fowler outpolls McIlroy in battle of rookies

THE PGA Tour of America has defended its decision to overlook Rory McIlroy for its prestigious Rookie of the Year award.

The Northern Ireland starlet was surprisingly outpolled by Rickie Fowler yesterday, despite winning in spectacular style at Quail Hollow and finishing third in two majors.

Fowler was a rookie in the purest sense, fresh out of Q-school at age 21. He had two runner-up finishes, at the Phoenix Open and Memorial, and was selected for the Ryder Cup team. But McIlroy’s credentials were clearly stronger. He not only won the Quail Hollow Championship by closing with a 62, he tied for third at the British Open and the PGA Championship. McIlroy tied a major championship record at St Andrews when he shot 63 in the first round.