Rory McIlroy’s stateside focus throws Lahinch pledge up in air

July’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at Lahinch could be Rory McIlroy’s first European Tour appearance of 2019 after the Northern Irishman yesterday confirmed he will play the majority of his golf in America in 2019.

The three-time Race to Dubai champion said he’ll be spending most of his time in the US next year because the Players’ Championship and the US PGA have been brought forward to March and May respectively.