Rory McIlroy shuts down frosty interview with just 12 words as he brushes off divorce to shoot -5 at PGA Championship
RORY MCILROY shut down an interview question about his divorce after an excellent opening day at the PGA Championship.
Xander Schauffele leads the way after hitting a 62 – the lowest score in PGA Championship history.
But McIlroy is just four shots behind on five under and will be very pleased with his opening round, which leaves him tied for fifth place.
After the first day of action at Valhalla Golf Course McIlroy was asked if it is nice to get back playing golf after he filed for divorce from wife Erica Stoll on Monday.
McIlroy, who was spotted without his wedding ring for the first time when he shot his practice round earlier this week, quickly shut down the line of questioning.
He simply said: “It’s always nice to be inside the ropes.”
The reporter pressed further by asking McIlroy if he is able to compartmentalise, hinting at the possible distraction of going through a divorce.
The world number two shut him down, saying: “Happy to be here.”
McIlroy, 35, has remained tight-lipped on his personal life all week, choosing to focus on his game.
He said ahead of day one: “I feel good, I am coming to a venue where I’ve had some success at before.”
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Inside Rory McIlroy’s whirlwind love life
By Ciaran Wiseman
Rory McIlroy enjoyed a high-profile romance with former tennis world number one Caroline Wozniacki before their split in 2014.
The following year, the golf ace began dating Erica Stoll, who he had first met on the PGA Tour in 2011.
Erica often interacted with players through her role as the PGA’s manager of championship volunteer operations.
She even prevented McIlroy from missing his tee time at the 2012 Ryder Cup after some confusion over the time zone.
The incident began a firm friendship between the pair, four years before their relationship turned romantic.
McIlroy and Erica were spotted on a string of dates in Rochester, New York, in the early days of their relationship.
Just eight months later, the couple got engaged in Paris and walked down the aisle at Ashford Castle in Ireland in 2017.
The pair then welcomed daughter Poppy into the world three years later.
Throughout their time together, McIlroy and Erica have kept their relationship to themselves, with the golfer keen to protect his family from the cameras during filming of Netflix’s Full Swing documentary series.
However, after seven years of marriage, McIlroy has now filed for divorce from Erica.
The reasons for the divorce have not been disclosed, but the Northern Irishman has submitted documents to a court in Florida.
McIlroy has not won a major since the 2014 PGA Championship, but he has hit good form this year and arrived in Kentucky on the back of winning the Wells Fargo Championship last week.
He also won the Zurich Classic of New Orleans alongside partner Shane Lowry at the end of last month, shooting 25 under.