Rory McIlroy to make Hawaii debut in January on PGA Tour
McIlroy set to tee up year at Kapalua for the first time in his career
Rory McIlroy will do something he's never done at the start of a PGA Tour season before and tee up at Kapalua in Hawaii for the Tournament of Champions from January 3 to 5.
McIlroy explained in 2017 that he would make the trip to Hawaii should he win a tournament in 2018, which he duly did with a three-stroke victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in March.
And the four-time major champion has remained true to his word by officially committing to play in the season winners-only tournament.
"It's a meaningful tournament to qualify for, because you have to win to get in, and winning is not easy on the PGA Tour," said McIlroy. "I can't wait to get out to Maui in January to experience the Plantation Course and everything the island has to offer."
We're making it official -- @McIlroyRory is coming to play at @GolfatKapalua in January for this first time in his career!
Get your tickets today --> https://t.co/jevJI9gUy6 pic.twitter.com/dwFK57QTJ1— Sentry TOC (@Sentry_TOC) September 11, 2018
McIlroy was eligible for the limited-field event six other times between 2011-17, but he bypassed every opportunity to tee it up at Kapalua - but he's not alone in making that decision. Tiger Woods has skipped the tournament ever since 2005, while Phil Mickelson last visited Maui in 2001.
There are currently 30 players who have qualified by virtue of tournament victories this year, with each winner of a PGA Tour event through the RSM Classic in November also eligible for the no-cut event.
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