McIlroy pulls out of Tiger event after Twitter tumult

World No. 1 Rory McIlroy played his way out of one controversy but stepped into another in deciding not to contest next week’s Arnold Palmer Invitational in Orlando.

McIlroy is believed to have a received a Twitter tumult in agreeing instead to join Tiger Woods in a member-guest foursomes competition yesterday at the Medalist Club and playing alongside NBA great Michael Jordan and NFL legend Ahmad Rashad as their amateur partners.

But McIlroy received so many negative comments that he stayed away from the exclusive Florida club, with his place taken by fellow PGA winner, Keegan Bradley.

Palmer laughingly suggested some time ago he may need to break McIlroy’s arm to get him to tee-up in his Bay Hill event.

But McIlroy responded to the American golf legend saying he wouldn’t be tempted and remarked tongue in cheek that if he did he may have to play the Masters one-handed. After a much-awaited return last Sunday with a final round 65 at the WGC-Cadillac Championship, McIlroy has decided not to play again on the PGA Tour until the Shell Houston Open in a fortnight.