Apology saves Rory McIlroy $20000

The Northern Irishman spends much of his time flying between Europe and the United States in order to compete on both major Tours, but he acknowledges it takes its toll.

And especially not when he has held a metaphorical gun to the European Tour’s head by making public statements such as “there have been times when I have contemplated not playing on the European Tour, already”. Yes, I have. Would I do it?

“I’ve definitely contemplated it”, the 26-year-old told BBC Sport. “They gave me playing opportunities at the start of my career and I wouldn’t be where I am without them”.

“I do know that if I said, ‘Look, I don’t want to play the European Tour, or at least not be a member anymore, ‘ then the Ryder Cup rules would change”, said McIlroy, who won the Dubai Desert Classic this season.

Casey remains ineligible for the Ryder Cup because of his decision and although McIlroy admits it has been a consideration to concentrate on the PGA Tour, he doubts he will ever copy the Englishman.

The number of events players are required to retain their cards on the European Tour has been questioned in recent weeks after Paul Casey revealed he may not rejoin the circuit next year due.

“The players on the European Tour have had endless dialogue about reducing the number of tournaments that you need to play”, McIlroy added.

The number isn’t grueling, but, given the worldwide nature of his docket, McIlroy logs a lot of travel miles.

“But I feel like we’ve got enough strength in depth that even if Paul isn’t on the team we’d still be able field a really strong 12 guys”. I would have played more if I could…

“I think he has a really good vision of where he wants the tour to go, so I am excited to be part of the European Tour and be under a little bit of new leadership and guidance and see where he can take it. I’m going to be supportive of that”.

“I had a long chat with Keith Pelley this week”, the four-time major champion revealed, “about a few of the plans and a few of the ideas that they have going forward and they’re very exciting and very promising”.

“But it just shows the world has become so small these days, playing different tours and having commitments either side of the Atlantic”. The Scottish Open, Open Championship and the WGC Bridgestone.

So an extra $20,000 fine would not have been that big of a deal for McIlroy.

“The fine was reduced from $25,000 to $5,000 because I said I was sorry on the TV interview afterwards”, McIlroy was quoted as saying.