May 15, (THEWILL) – Rory McIlroy stepped onto the course at Valhalla on Wednesday, ready to compete in the PGA Championship despite the recent news of his divorce filing from wife, Erica, after seven years of marriage. The 35-year-old Northern Irish golf superstar remained tight-lipped about his personal life, simply stating, “I’m ready to play this week.”
The world number two’s unexpected marital split has raised questions about his status as one of the favourites for the major championship. However, McIlroy appeared unfazed, relishing the opportunity to return to Valhalla, where he claimed his most recent major title a decade ago. “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,” he said.
Fresh off a victory at the Wells Fargo Championship and a PGA Tour pairs triumph with Shane Lowry, McIlroy exuded confidence ahead of the PGA Championship. “Just trying to keep the momentum going,” he remarked. “I think it’s all about confidence and momentum, and I have a lot of confidence and quite a bit of momentum coming into this week.”
Despite the personal turmoil surrounding his divorce, McIlroy’s history suggests he can navigate personal challenges while excelling on the course. In 2014, just days after ending his engagement with tennis star Caroline Wozniacki, he won at Wentworth before going on to capture the British Open, WGC Bridgestone Championship, and the PGA Championship at Valhalla later that year.
Addressing the ongoing PGA Tour-PIF merger talks, McIlroy expressed concern over the recent resignation of Jimmy Dunne from the Tour Policy Board. “I think it’s a huge loss for the PGA Tour, if they are trying to get this deal done with the PIF and trying to unify the game,” he said, adding that Dunne’s absence could stall negotiations, making a deal less likely.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
