Rory McIlroy confirms plans for same week as breakaway Super Golf League opener

Rory McIlroy has confirmed he will defend the Canadian Open on the same week as Greg Norman's breakaway Super Golf League opener.

The inaugural LIV Golf Invitational Series tees off from June 9-11 at Centurion Club at St Alban's.

The Saudi-backed series will begin with a three-round event featuring 48 players.

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McIlroy is one of several high-profile names to have spoken out about the breakaway tour, with Tiger Woods and Dustin Johnson also ruling themselves out of taking part in any future events.

It should come as no surprise then that Holywood golfer McIlroy will shun next month's Super Golf League curtain-raiser.

The 33-year-old - who secured a top-10 finish at last week's PGA Championship - said on Twitter: "Looking forward to heading back to Canada to finally defend at the RBC Canadian Open.

"It will be great to see all the fans again."

McIlroy won the Canadian Open in 2019, the last time it was held due to the coronavirus pandemic.

This year's event will be played at a new venue, St George's Golf & Country Club, from June 9-12.

McIlroy claimed a brilliant seven-shot victory three years ago with a record score of 22-under par at Hamilton Golf and Country Club.