McIlroy will skip WGC event for Open de France in June

PARIS – Rory McIlroy will play in the Open de France for the first time since 2010 as part of his preparations to win the British Open for the second time.

McIlroy has won four majors, among them the British Open two years ago.

He is skipping the Bridgestone Invitational, a World Golf Championship, to compete at the centenary edition of the Open de France from June 30-July 3 — held at Le Golf National on the outskirts of Paris, which will host the 2018 Ryder Cup.

He firmly believes the course will help him win back the Claret Jug at Royal Troon, saying "It's a great test of golf and playing there, as well as staying in Europe, will offer the best conditions."