Rory McIlroy reveals exciting plans to “take a step back” ahead of the British Open
Rory McIlroy says he plans to take a step back and enjoy life more ahead of the British Open.
The 35-year-old McIlroy is currently competing in the Genesis Scottish Open, where he hopes to become the first player in history to defend coveted titles on both the DP World Tour and the PGA Tour. The world number two shot a 67 on the 18th hole in the third round, which put McIlroy five strokes behind leader Ludwig Aberg, who shot 65 to move to 17 under par. Aberg is two strokes behind favorite Bob McIntyre, who finished runner-up to McIlroy at last year’s Scottish Open.
McIlroy is just returning to competition after a few weeks off following an emotionally taxing week at the U.S. Open in which he missed two short putts on the final three holes to finish one stroke behind Bryson DeChambeau. After the U.S. Open, the Northern Irishman admitted he spent a few days in New York to recuperate.
Closing a full decade between his fifth major title, McIlroy believes he’s been too hard on himself and hasn’t taken the time to enjoy all his success on the game. At 35, McIlroy has accomplished just about everything in the game, including 26 PGA Tour victories and a record three FedEx Cup titles.
McIlroy wants to enjoy more of life
Looking ahead to the future, McIlroy acknowledged this week that he plans to start learning to better evaluate all of his accomplishments. He’ll also be vacationing with his wife Erica and young daughter Poppy, who he hasn’t traveled with for about five years.
The Ulsterman recently admitted that a shock divorce from his wife is off the table as the couple sort out their differences. Erica was spotted out and about with her husband this week for the first time since McIlroy filed for shock divorce in May.
“I need to take a step back and evaluate what I’ve done in my career and in my life and enjoy my successes,” McIlroy told The Telegraph. “I don’t really like my success – and, I would say, that of the last five years. I haven’t been on vacation in probably four or five years. So I think I’m withdrawn a little in my game.
Macilra added that he was doing everything he did and continuing to achieve it in the game. “Trying to understand this game can be very difficult. I don’t think there’s another sport in the world where golf and life are so intertwined,” McIlroy said.
“I live next to a golf course and it’s so easy to go out there at 7pm and hit some balls. So I think being able to step away and give yourself that free space to not think about golf is a good thing. I promise to have more fun in the future.\”
