Arnold Palmer is the latest golf legend to criticise Rory McIlroy’s behaviour – after the world number one snubbed his tournament in Orlando.
McIlroy could be overtaken by Tiger Woods in the world rankings this weekend after opting not to play at Bay Hill.
Speaking ahead of his annual tournament, Palmer was critical of McIlroy’s decision not to play again until the Houston Open before his Masters bid.
The American legend told the Irish Independent: “Frankly, I thought he was going to play.
“For some reason, I got it in my mind that he would be playing, but that obviously is wrong. What his reason or reasoning is, I don’t know and I’m not going to worry about it.”
Palmer did refer to a joke he made last summer when he said that he would ‘break his arms’ if McIlroy failed to play in his tournament.
Speaking at his press conference he insisted: “It was sort of casual fun. It was meant to be funny, I guess. I don’t know whether it was or not.”
The report adds that while McIlroy has struck up a warm friendship with Jack Nicklaus and makes a point of playing his tournament, The Memorial, each June, the 23-year-old has never teed-it up for Arnie at Bay Hill.
Nicklaus criticised McIlroy when he walked off the course halfway through his second round in Miami last month.
Palmer admitted he has rarely met McIlroy. He said: “I had brief conversations with him some time ago, but not recently.”
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.soonerpeace | Mar 26, 2013, 09:13 AM EDT
Rory is never been cocky or not gracious.He obviously does not want to play Bay Hill for whatever reason.Maybe he doesn't want to play 2 weeks consecutively before the Masters.Maybe the course in Houston suits him better. One thing for sure Tiger never loses Bay Hill so why not avoid him?
jmitchpen1013 | Mar 25, 2013, 09:14 PM EDT
Methinks that Arnie is a bit oversensitive. Maybe because of Rory's relationship with Nicklaus? Granted Rory has made a few miscues as of late but give the lad a break, he is still young. What's your excuse Mr. Palmer?
jack sprat | Mar 22, 2013, 02:04 AM EDT
It seems that the lad has put his foot wrong a time or two, of late, all the while he's been struggling to find his 'C' game. Well, I'm inclined to cut him some slack. Mind, we're just speculating here, but it's better to be making a bit of a fool of yourself over a lass than it would be doing so because of one. Everybody's young once, no? Slainte!
KilkennyCats | Mar 22, 2013, 12:38 AM EDT
Hey Rory ... Just go away already ...
seanomelb | Mar 21, 2013, 06:08 PM EDT
Palmer overestimates the importance of "his" tournament
pilib04 | Mar 21, 2013, 01:23 PM EDT
Arnold Palmer? A joke compared to today's golfers and in particular, compared to the man from Holywood. Palmer should go back to making his donations to Bush-Chaney.
BrendanDunphy | Mar 21, 2013, 01:21 PM EDT
I am liking Rory less-and-less with each passing day.
dickmac | Mar 21, 2013, 12:01 PM EDT
There is an Irish Saying, "When you are in a hole stop digging" !
jamieLM | Mar 21, 2013, 10:24 AM EDT
Maybe Rory is too busy watching his girlfriend modeling underwear. Just joking. In the end, it's his decision. Time will tell whether it was a wise one.
seanfer7 | Mar 21, 2013, 09:48 AM EDT
The Irish have been known to piss of kiss and do it with pleasure