McIlroy to defend FedExCup crown

FedExCup champion Rory McIlroy will attempt to become the first player to win back-to-back season long titles after deciding against resting a rib injury. The Northern Irishman had hinted he might sit out the FedExCup Playoffs after finishing T22 at the PGA Championship last week but has since committed to THE NORTHERN TRUST field to be held August 24-27 at Glen Oaks Club in New York. “I don’t know what I’m going to do,â€� McIlroy had said after his final round at Quail Hollow. “You might not see me until next year. You might see me in a couple of weeks’ time.â€� The four-time major winner had complained of rhomboid spasms and numbness in his left arm, putting the rest of his season in doubt. “I feel like a sense of not duty, but I’ve missed a lot of time already. If I’m capable of playing, I feel like why shouldn’t you,â€� he added. “But then at the same time, if you are not capable of playing at your best, why should you play. It’s a Catch 22.â€� After seeking treatment back home this week he has decided to front up in New York to try to join Tiger Woods as the only two-time FedExCup champion. Woods won in 2007 and 2009 leaving McIlroy with the chance to become the first player to go back-to-back. “I feel like I’m capable and playing well enough to give myself a chance in it,â€� McIlroy said of the FedExCup. He is currently 41st in the standings, a mark that could drop slightly after the Wyndham Championship wraps up this week. McIlroy is the all-time FedExCup Playoffs leader in terms of wins having claimed the Dell Technologies Championship in 2012 and 2016 along with the 2012 BMW Championship and of course last year’s TOUR Championship where he claimed the FedExCup. He won the 2016 FedExCup after starting the Playoffs in 36th position. McIlroy will also retain the services of good friend Harry Diamond as his caddie for the Playoffs.

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