World number one Lee Westwood has blasted PGA Tour bosses over his Twitter feed for their decision to name Rickie Fowler ahead of the Irishman as PGA Tour Rookie of the Year.
Although McIlroy himself was unperturbed by the PGA’s decision and claimed he didn’t consider himself a Tour rookie anyway, Westwood vented his own annoyance over the apparent snub to his European Tour and Ryder Cup counterpart.
“Sorry 140 letters is not going to be enough for this rant! Just seen Ricky Fowler has been given rookie of the year! Yes he’s had a good year but Rory McIlroy 3rd in 2 majors and an absolute demolition of the field at Quail Hollow!!”
“Maybe the PGA tour just employs the same voting process as FIFA! Come on, fairs fair!”
Dustin Johnson also claimed to be surprised after the announcement of the award to Fowler, which is decided by a poll of PGA Tour pros.
“Rickie won? Maybe he’s an American.”
Although Fowler won more money on the US Tour throughout 2010 than McIlroy, he competed in 12 tournaments more than the Irishman, while also failing to win on Tour – a feat McIlroy achieved in June at Quail Hollow. Fowler collected $2.86million to McIlroy’s $2.55million.
Both players represented their respective Tours at the Ryder Cup in October, with McIlroy and the European team emerging victorious.
What do you think? Do you think Rickie Fowler deserved the award over Rory? Are the PGA being petty? Let us know in the comments!