Rory McIlroy opts to play in Open de France rather than Bridgestone Invitational

McIlroy's decision will come as a huge boost for the European Tour.

Rory McIlroy has confirmed he will miss the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational this summer by playing at the 100th Open de France.

The clash between the two tournaments has occurred following a re-working of the PGA Tour's 2016 calendar to accommodate the Rio Olympics, where golf will return again to the programme.