Rory McIlroy says ‘Rookie of the Year’ was not on his cards
Rory McIlroy lost the title of the 'Rookie of the year' to Rickie Fowler on Sunday, but despite incurring the loss, the 21-year-old did not bother.
A voting took place on Saturday at Thousand Oaks in California, where the Chevron World Challenge was taking place. According to a press release, the voting took place in the clubhouse of the luxurious resort. All PGA officials
present on the course along with the entire field were invited to the event and nearly everyone voted.
The results fell in the favour of the American, Rickie Fowler. When inquired from the Irish regarding the loss, he replied, “Its fine. Look, I really did not want it. I am not a rookie. It might be a little of both.”
The 21-year-old is right, as he turned professional in 2008 when he won the Quail Hollow Championship in Europe. After two years, he stroke back at St. Andrews where he seized the third spot and followed it with another third at
US PGA Championship. In October, Rory was selected for the Ryder Cup team, where he represented Europe in the bi-annual event, and led to its victory.
However, according to the PGA Tour, Rory McIlroy is still a rookie, as he has never played in the entire season before. He was put into contention alongside Rickie Fowler.
The definition of a rookie was not a problem in the past. Vijay Singh won the title in 1993 when he was 30-year-old, having won in various parts of the world. Todd Hamilton was 39 years of age when he won the title in 2004 after
declaring two victories in the same year.
The results were announced on the Sunday morning, when Rory was halfway to the 18th tee. The Ryder Cup player did not bother about the results and said that the title was not on his agenda. However, he was happy for
Fowler and congratulated him.
Speaking to the press, McIlroy said, “I'm happy for Rickie that he got it. Coming straight out of college, playing the Walker Cup in 09, the Ryder Cup, winning nearly $3 million, getting to 25th in the world. It is a great first
year. That is what a rookie should be - the first year. I don't feel like I should have been eligible."
Meanwhile, Dustin Johnson, who claimed that he was not informed about the voting, gave harsh comments on the pick. Johnson told the press that he was certain about Rory’s victory as he was going to get most of the votes. However,
after the results, Johnson did not seem pleased and commented that Fowler won, as he was an American.
When McIlroy was asked to comment on Dustin’s statement, he denied answering.
It seemed as the best policy for the situation as Rory required concentration for the final round of the Chevron World Challenge, which was being hosted by Tiger Woods. The young Irish had a superb start, but faltered in the second
and third round. However, in the finale, Rory smashed four back-to-back birdies on the back nine and seized the third spot of the leader board.
The player seems to be out of form. The reason behind the lack of consistency can be fatigue, which has caused Rory to lose concentration. The Irish has been on his feet ever since the Ryder Cup and has not taken a break, thereby;
he fails to deliver the required level of game.
Sunday proved pleasant for the world number eight, who finished strong in the field of 18 players and managed to reach top four of the leader board. Moreover, his name was considered for the nomination of Rookie of the Year, which
he lost against Rickie Fowler.
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