Paul McGinley on Rory McIlroy absence: 'Irish Open will always be bigger than any one player'

Tournament host Paul McGinley has insisted this week’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Open can flourish in spite of the absence of leading Irishman Rory McIlroy.

Speaking today at Lahinch in advance of Thursday’s opening round, the former Ryder Cup-winning captain pointed to near sell-out crowds at the famous Co. Clare links and said no player was bigger than the Irish Open.