McIlroy & # 039; s Irish Open snub & # 039; a sign of the time & # 039; – McGinley

McIlroy & # 39; s absence means world no. 43 Shane Lowry (l) becomes the highest ranked Irishman in the Lahinch field

Paul McGinley says Rory McIlroy's decision not to participate in the Irish Open this year & # 39; a sign of time & # 39; is

The European captain of the 2014 Ryder Cup is hosting the event this year in Lahinch and admits that he is disappointed by the 29-year-old's absence.

While the number four world is missing, Ian Poulter is the newest player dedicated to the July 4-7 event.

"It was (a disappointment) but this is something we are going to see more of progress," McGinley said.

"The challenges the players have on the world roster are huge, the amount of money they play worldwide is huge and the focus will be very much on big championships and I think it is just a sign of time

"He (McIlroy) is not the only one, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka and Tiger Woods too – look at his schedule right through his career – they don't play much and define everything around the big championships. "

McIlroy opens his national door to focus a week later on his preparations for The Open at Royal Portrush.

A number of high-profile players will travel to western Ireland for the Irish Open this year, including the big winners Louis Oosthuizen, Danny Willett and Padraig Harrington.

But McGinley says the tournament can no longer expect to attract all the big names, adding: "The days of then Seve, Faldo, Langer, Woosie and all the top players played in an Irish Open, those days are over.

"Any tournaments around the world, even on the PGA Tour, outside the majors, the WGC events and the Players (Championship), if you have two or three or four of the big names and only then you around the guys that are the top 50 in the world around it and then the rest of the tour well, that's very good field.

"That's what we have to do on course and hopefully we'll get there, we are pretty close at the moment. "