ICYMI: Poulter in, McIlroy out for Wentworth showpiece

Rory out of Wentworth

The same rib injury that kept Rory McIlroy out of the Desert Swing earlier this season has resurfaced which means he will miss this week’s PGA Championship at Wentworth.

McIlroy hit a lot of balls in the off-season and felt it in South Africa, where he lost a play-off to Graeme Storm, and he felt it again at Sawgrass. A scan revealed there is no new injury but he will now sit out Wentworth – so far this year McIlroy has made just six starts.

“I have been advised to take a conservative approach to my recovery which unfortunately means I have to withdraw. It’s a disappointing decision to have to make but I have to ensure I make a full recovery. I will now continue the process of preparing my game for the US Open and the rest of the season.”

But Poulter will be there…

How Ian Poulter’s year has turned around. The chances are he wouldn’t have struggled for invites on both Tours but, after his PGA Tour reprieve and subsequent second place at the Players, he now has an invite to play at Wentworth this week. Poulter has enjoyed a juicy past with the West Course – in 2011 he said: “I don’t like this golf course, period” – but he is back for another go at it.

“Thanks for the invite and help, European Tour,” the Englishman said. “Excited to now be playing. Heard good things about the West Course.”

Glory’s second shot?

The PGA Championship – the major, that is – is often referred to as ‘Glory’s Last Shot’ given its place on the calendar. Well, we will find out in the next six months whether it will be moving to May.

That would mean majors in each of April to July, with the Players reverting to its March slot, so the PGA Tour could then complete the FedEx play-offs before the start of the NFL and, incredibly, the college football seasons.

The PGA of America president Paul Levy told the Golf Channel: “It’s something we’ve been studying for 18 months, we’ve looked at it from every angle and it’s not something we’re committed to saying ‘Hey, we’re ready to move’.

“We want to do what’s best for our championship and what’s best for the game and what’s best for the players. Obviously we’re very sensitive that the Tour’s looking to get away from football in the fall and they’re trying to do what’s best for their Tour and we do have a great partnership with them.”

Kim flies cattle

The usual Twitter shot of a golfer on a plane involves half a dozen people sat round in comfortable clothing, bad headwear with some liquid refreshment, maybe even a trophy if it’s just been a successful weekend. Here’s the new Players champion on his way home last Monday after trousering $1.9m as he became the youngest winner at Sawgrass – on a commercial flight, in ‘coach’ and in the middle seat.

You never know who you will sit next to on a flight to Atlanta. 2017 The Players Champion. @THEPLAYERSChamp pic.twitter.com/X5CvX5kUbf

— Jenna Duggan (@jennadduggan) May 15, 2017