Rory McIlroy offers support to disqualified young golfer Frank Kennedy

Rory McIlroy expressed sympathy on Tuesday for English golfer Frank Kennedy, who was disqualified from a DP World Tour Q School event after taking a divot out of a green during an angry moment, the Irish Examiner reported. McIlroy called the situation an unbelievably unfortunate incident while noting that he spoke with his caddie, Harry Diamond, about it on the course. [1]

The Irish Examiner reported that 21-year-old Kennedy is appealing the disqualification decision. McIlroy said that while the ruling seems harsh, it is good that golf authorities are cracking down on such conduct, adding that he understands the frustration. [1]

McIlroy is entering the DP World Tour Championship on The Earth course in Dubai aiming to secure an eighth Harry Vardon Trophy, according to the Irish Times. The Irish Times reported that Eugenio Chacarra currently leads the standings, with Patrick Reed and Jon Rahm also in contention for the title. As FTMQ News reported earlier, McIlroy recently received a two-shot penalty at the Abu Dhabi Championship after rules officials decided he improved his lie. [2][12]

McIlroy turned professional in 2007 and became a former world number one in the Official World Golf Ranking. He has spent more than 100 weeks in the top ranking spot. [8][10]