Withdrawal Symptoms

McIlroy pulled out of play Friday, citing an aching wisdom tooth

Golfer Rory McIlroy’s withdrawal during the second round of the PGA Tour The Honda Classic on Friday was the “latest disappointment since he made the highly lucrative but risky move of changing his equipment from Titleist to Nike at the beginning of the year,” according to Karen Crouse of the N.Y. TIMES. The week of his title defense at the tournament “began with McIlroy brushing off criticism in the news media" over his equipment change. However, nobody who has “spent time around him believes" that the value of McIlroy’s Nike contract “was his motivating factor in making the switch.” Golfer Mark Wilson said, “I truly believe he didn’t leave Titleist for any money reasons. He just ...