Hoey makes case for absent Irish stars

Defending Alfred Dunhill Links champion Michael Hoey has sprung to the defence of fellow Irishmen, Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell, who have opted to skip this week’s Scottish event.

Hoey relegated the US Open-winning duo into second and joint third to capture the biggest single pay cheque of his pro career last year. But while Ryder Cup stars Paul Lawrie, Martin Kaymer and Peter Hanson, along with USA rival Dustin Johnson, have made the trip this week there is criticism the likes of McIlroy and McDowell have stayed away. Former World No.1 Lee Westwood, and winner in 2003, was a late withdrawal.

“I can understand the reason why they’re not playing here this week as no doubt the FedEx Cup Series would have been tiring and then to go straight into the Ryder Cup,” said Hoey.