Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods criticised by HSBC sponsors for missing HSBC World Championship

Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods have been reminded about their “responsibilities to the sponsors” after both missed the HSBC World Championship which starts here at Mission Hills on Thursday." /> We no longer check to see whether Telegraph.co.uk displays properly in Internet Explorer version 6 or earlier. To see our content at its best we recommend upgrading if you wish to continue using IE or using another browser such as Firefox, Safari or Google Chrome. Accessibility links Skip to articleSkip to navigationAdvertisementTelegraph.co.uk Thursday 15 November 2012 Home News World Sport Finance Comment Blogs Culture Travel Life Fashion Tech DatingOffersJobs Football Rugby Union Cricket F1 Tennis Golf Cycling London 2012 Boxing UFC Rugby League Racing Fantasy Live Blog Live Leaderboard The Open European Tour Ryder Cup US Open USPGA Golf Shop Tee Times Holidays Home»Sport» Golf Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods criticised by HSBC sponsors for missing HSBC World ChampionshipRory McIlroy and Tiger Woods have been reminded about their “responsibilities to the sponsors” after both missed the HSBC World Championship which starts here at Mission Hills on Thursday.Nike Air Max 95Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy played an exhibition match but missed the HSBC World Championship Photo: GETTY IMAGES By James Corrigan, Shenzhen, China 11:00PM GMT 30 Oct 2012 Comments Giles Morgan, the group head of sponsorship at HSBC, expressed his “disappointment” on Wednesday at the no-show from the world Nos 1 and 2. The pair played against each other in an 18-hole exhibition match, but after picking up $3 million (£1.85 million) in appearance fees, declined to fly a few hours south to play in one of only four World Golf Championship events, which offers $7 million (£4.35 million) prize money. “On one hand we are delighted to have 13 of the world’s top 20 here, but of course we’re disappointed not to have the two top players in the world,” said Morgan. “Both have sent me apologies but this is an event which should be regarded by all players as it is by the tours and the media as one of the top events in the world. “Therefore I feel strongly that the top players should be here. I believe that golfers have a responsibility to their sponsors. Without the sponsors there isn’t professional golf. I speak on behalf of the industry.” Morgan has been contacted by other sponsors who share his concerns that they will not be able to justify the huge outlays without the top names. “I feel very strongly, as I know a number of sponsors do particularly, in a downturn, particularly when there are financial difficulties around the world, that golf cannot be immune either,” he said. Woods is in Singapore this week fulfilling corporate commitments, while McIlroy has travelled to Bulgaria to watch his girlfriend, Caroline Wozniacki, compete in the WTA’s season-ending Tournament of Champions. The Northern Irishman will return to the Far East next week to play in the Singapore Open.