Rory McIlroy insists he is ‘ready to play’ at the PGA Championship in his first public appearance since the news emerged of him filing for divorce.
The four-time Major winner submitted the legal documents in Florida on Monday to formally separate from wife Erica Stoll after seven years of marriage.
McIlroy has submitted a ‘petition for dissolution of marriage’, with paperwork describing their union as ‘irretrievably broken’.
And the Northern Irishman now has to turn his attention to the second major of 2024, with the first round to start on Thursday.
The 35-year-old is in red-hot form in his quest to win a third PGA Championship – and first Major title in ten years.
Speaking in his press conference – which lasted less than ten minutes – reporters were made aware that the Ryder Cup legend did not want to discuss his break-up.
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It led McIlroy to be questioned on how he is faring on a ‘personal’ level in his quest to end his decade-long wait for a Major.
McIlroy was asked: “It’s been quite a few years for you. How are your energy levels and, on a personal level, how are you doing?”
Giving a snappy six-word response, he stated: “I’m ready to play this week.”
Before adding: “I feel good, I am coming to a venue where I’ve had some success at before.”
McIlroy goes into the PGA Championship as one of the favourites having won back-to-back PGA Tour events at the Wells Fargo Championship and the Zurich Classic of New Orleans with partner Shane Lowry.
Commenting on his form, he remarked: “I feel good.
“Obviously had a great day on Sunday at a golf course that I’ve grown to love over the years and had a lot of success at, coming to a venue where I’ve had some success at before as well.
“Obviously get to go back to Quail Hollow every year. Don’t really get to come back here too much.
“Today was the first time I was on this golf course since ten years ago, so it was good to re-familiarise myself with the place.
“The golf course is a little different than it was ten years ago, a little longer.
“A couple little minor changes but for the most part pretty much the same that I can remember from ten years ago.
“But yeah, look, game feels good coming off the back of two wins, a fun one in New Orleans with Shane, and then a really good performance last week.
“Just trying to keep the momentum going.”
News Summary:
- Rory McIlroy issues six-word response to ‘personal’ question following divorce news ahead of PGA Championship
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