McIlroy will skip WGC event for French Open in June

Rory McIlroy will play at this year's French Open rather than the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, saying it will serve as better preparation for the British Open at Troon.

The four-time major winner won Bridgestone in Akron, Ohio two years ago and the event is one of the most prestigious on the PGA Tour. But this year it clashes with the 100th French Open after schedules were tweaked to accommodate the Rio Olympics.

McIlroy told the European Tour, "Paris is just one of the great cities of the world. It is a real melting pot of art, people, culture and history, and you can't help but love visiting places like that. can't wait to get back there in the summer."

Chief Executive Officer of the European Tour, Keith Pelley, explains why they are keeping the French Open in place on the schedule against the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational.