Rory McIlroy has hit back again at the American commentators who told him to sack caddy JP Fitzgerald and branded the youngster a ‘spoilt brat.’
The US Open champion has been outraged by claims from former American pro Jay Townsend that he should dismiss Fitzgerald and hire Steve Williams, Tiger Woods’ old caddy.
After making the cut and moving into contention at the Irish Open in Killarney, McIlroy also blasted Golf Channel presenter Erik Kuselias, who described him as a ‘spoilt brat’ in an on-air rant.
“I wouldn’t take note of anything they say,” said McIlroy in Kerry.
“I’m an only child so it that means I am spoilt, I don’t know. I have to take it with a pinch of salt but I don’t really have any respect for the man (Townsend) after what he did and what he has been doing for the last three years.
“I spoke to a few people about this yesterday, to Chubby my manager and to my mum and dad. It has been going on for three years so I had to say something.
“Jay Townsend can’t really say anything about my game. I know he was on tour for six years and he finished second in the Heineken Classic whatever that was.
“But he shouldn’t be so opinionated. I don’t care if he criticizes me because I am the golfer, I’m the one who hits the shots and I can take the criticism.
“It’s JP who can’t stand up for himself in the media so I have to stand up for him. He is the best man I can have on my bag.”
McIlroy insisted his Twitter war with Townsend won’t stop him tweeting.
“I find it quite funny really,” added McIlroy as he comfortably made the cut after a 68 left him on four under par going into the weekend.
“This started back in Switzerland in 2008 when Townsend got on JP’s case. This latest episode was just one comment too far and I thought I just had to stand up for JP.
“He has taken me from 200th in the world to Major champion. I am now fourth in the world and I was third at one stage, all with JP on my bag.
“I don’t know what it is with Jay or if he has something against JP but some of the criticism that JP takes from him is very unfair.”
McIlroy and Graeme McDowell will compete for the Irish Open this weekend but Padraig Harrington and Darren Clarke are on their way home from Killarney after missing the cut.
India’s Jeev Milkha Singh and Dane Soren Hansen, a former champion, lead on nine under with Ireland’s Damien McGrane, Peter Lawrie, Paul Cutler and Michael Hoey all nicely placed on six under.
McDowell and McIlroy are both four under but Clarke (one over), Harrington (three over) and Paul McGinley (level par) all out of the tournament.
READ MORE:
Comments