Justin Thomas Praises "Great" Rory McIlroy

The American wrote a message of support for his Northern Irish counterpart after McIlroy missed the cut at Royal Portrush

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Justin Thomas Praises “Great” Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy had the eyes of the entire golfing world on him on Friday afternoon as he battled at Royal Portrush in his attempt to make the Open Championship cut.

Thursday was a disaster for the Northern Irishman who shot a 79 after an eight on the first, but he bounced back in superb fashion on Friday with a 65.

Sadly for the tournament favourite, it was one shot shy of the cut mark, and he was the most emotional we have ever seen him in his post-round interview.

McIlroy’s peer Justin Thomas took to Twitter to praise his Ryder Cup opponent, who he beat on the 18th hole at Le Golf National last September in the opening singles match.

“Even as a competitor and trying to beat the guy every week, sometimes I have to step back and realize how great @McIlroyRory is for golf.

“How he handles the spotlight, the highs, the lows, his social life, the fans, his golf, everything… it’s awesome to watch”.

Even as a competitor and trying to beat the guy every week, sometimes I have to step back and realize how great @McIlroyRory is for golf. How he handles the spotlight, the highs, the lows, his social life, the fans, his golf, everything.. it’s awesome to watch

— Justin Thomas (@JustinThomas34) July 19, 2019

Thomas’ fellow American Brandt Snedeker also mentioned Rory on Twitter.

“I think the @TheOpen should let @McIlroyRory play the weekend…,” he wrote.

I think the @TheOpen should let @McIlroyRory play the weekend… Along with everyone else at +2. Such a great course.. Bummed I don’t get the chance to see it 2 more times.. So impressed by the people, the course, and the culture.. Can’t wait to come back!! #getbetter #theopen

— Brandt Snedeker (@BrandtSnedeker) July 19, 2019

Eddie Pepperell wrote, “boy, he has so much class.”

Fair play to Rory. Probably the most disappointing 65 you could ever shoot but boy, he has so much class. 👌🏼🏌🏼‍♂️

— Eddie Pepperell (@PepperellEddie) July 19, 2019

Greg Norman tweeted McIlroy saying, “Hold your head high mate.”

@McIlroyRory Hold your head high mate. Was impressed by what you did today. But more impressed with what you and your fellow countrymen did to get @TheOpen back to your Homeland. I am sorry I never had a chance to play such a classic links in @royalportrush Pure golf!

— Greg Norman (@SharkGregNorman) July 19, 2019

“You’re the man, @McIlroyRory,” Wells Fargo Championship winner Max Homa tweeted.

In golf, it’s hard to inspire on a Friday. You’re the man, @McIlroyRory

— max homa (@maxhoma23) July 19, 2019

Gary Lineker was another to praise McIlroy after seeing criticism of the four-time Major winner on social media.

“Fabulous effort today from @McIlroyRory,” he wrote.

“Showed the character of the champion he is. So much rubbish written about lack of bottle.

You don’t win 4 majors and the Player’s without heart and nerve.

“We should be proud of our great sportspeople not bash them at every opportunity.”

Fabulous effort today from @McIlroyRory. Showed the character of the champion he is. So much rubbish written about lack of bottle. You don’t win 4 majors and the Player’s without heart and nerve. We should be proud of our great sportspeople not bash them at every opportunity.

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) July 19, 2019

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