McIlroy to Miss Irish Open to Focus on Open Championship Preparation

Rory McIlroy has confirmed he will skip this year's Irish Open in order to focus on The Open at Royal Portrush

The 29-year-old announced he will be missing his national open this year, which takes part two weeks before The Open which he thinks it will give him a better chance of winning another major.

This will be the first time The Open has returned to Northern Ireland since 1951.

"If there is ever a year when I feel I can miss this Irish Open, it's this year," said McIlroy.

"If I was to play the Irish Open, The Open Championship would be my third event in a row. "For me, that's not the best way to prepare for what could be the biggest event of my life," added the Northern Irishman on the eve of the WGC Mexico Championship which starts on Thursday.

McIlroy has been tournament host for the Irish Open for the past four years with Paul McGinley will take over duties this year.