Rory McIlroy shut down a reporter with a four-word response as he dodged getting into questions about his personal life following news that he had filed for divorce.
News broke on Tuesday that McIlroy and wife of seven years Erica had separated and filed for divorce. The world number two is teeing it up as Louisville, Kentucky this week for the PGA Championship.
McIlroy faced the media at 6 pm Irish time and it was clear that he would not be answering any questions about his private life when a PGA Championship organiser told media before the press conference begun that McIlroy would not be making any further comment on the divorce.
One reporter did ask the four-time major winner how he was feeling on a personal level, to which McIlroy replied “I’m ready to play.”
McIlroy was open to answering golf-related questions such as Jimmy Dunne’s resignation from the PGA Tour board and about where his own game is at.
“I feel good,” McIlroy said. “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 the golf course since 10 years ago, so it was good to refamiliarise myself with the place.
“The golf course is a little different than it was 10 years ago, a little longer. A couple little minor changes but for the most part pretty much the same that I can remember.
“Game feels good coming off the back of two wins, a fun one in New Orleans with Shane (Lowry) and then a really good performance last week. Just trying to keep the momentum going.
“Some of the shots that I hit last week, some of the three-quarter shots, some of the wedge shots, some of the iron shots, combined with how good I feel with the driver at the minute, that obviously gives me a lot of confidence.”
The Holywood Golf Club man will tee it up alongside Justin Rose and Dustin Johnson for his opening two rounds as he looks to end his major hoodoo. McIlroy’s last major came 10 years ago at the same event and same venue.
