One year from watching Rory McIlroy hit what proved to be the “shot of the season” on the DP World Tour onto the 18th green at the Renaissance Club, then make that clinching putt, Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre repeated the feat to make off with the $US1.62 million first-place cheque and the undying admiration of a grateful nation.
The changing face of professional golf at the highest level is something on which Fitzpatrick holds some strong views, especially with regard to the DP World Tour’s place in any new order.
The DP World Tour suffered at least a temporary blow in its battle with LIV Golf on Monday when Sport Resolutions in the United Kingdom issued a stay of the suspensions the tour levied against three players after they competed in LIV’s inaugural event last month in London.
McIlroy, who turns 30 in May, is ramping up his PGA Tour schedule in 2019 to prepare for the Masters, the only Major he needs to complete the career Grand Slam.
A continuing commitment to variety and innovation will also play a significant part in the schedule that concludes with the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai next November.
Ian Poulter complained last month about partisan fans verbally abusing him at the US Open. Over the weekend, a marshal at the Scottish Open took the tour star to task for the same thing.
For an extra challenge, the European Tour had players take on “The Hickory Challenge” at Gullane Golf Club during a practice round at the Scottish Open earlier this week.
Australian Golf Digest
