There are no pictures on the news pages these days of Rory McIlroy with glamorous dates, or showbiz gossip on his latest exploits outside the ropes — and there’s a good reason for that.
‘It has been a very deliberate policy, to be honest,’ admitted the world No 1 when asked by Sportsmail whether, in the wake of his much-publicised split from girlfriend Caroline Wozniacki a year ago, it was his intention to pursue a low-key social life.
‘What is it they say about learning from your mistakes? This is the way I want it from now on. I want to be known for my golf and that’s it. ‘So let’s hope I can continue to give you guys good stuff to write about on the course.’
There’s certainly been plenty recently, with two majors, two WGCs and Europe’s flagship event among seven wins since ending his engagement.
But, as he prepares for the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, McIlroy couldn’t help but contrast his feelings now with last year, when he gave a press conference here with his eyes filled with tears.‘Yeah, you could say it’s all a little bit different,’ he said, smiling.
‘One of the amazing things for me is how fast it has all gone. It was very difficult 12 months ago but we all know it’s part of life. And I’m in a great place now. My game is great and it was all kick-started by that win at Wentworth.‘It was very unexpected but it gave me a lot of confidence. It allowed me to focus solely on my game. All I did in the months that followed was play golf and practise, and that’s what I’ve continued to do, really knuckle down and work hard.’
McIlroy was speaking before a private function for his sponsors at Niketown in London. There was no trace of weariness in his voice after a busy three weeks in America, to be followed by a manic fortnight in the UK, but that’s what winning twice in a month and flying by private jet does for you.
‘I feel great, and I’m hungry to win at least one more event before I shut it down for a couple of weeks to prepare for the US Open,’ he said. ‘The Irish Open next week is going to be a great occasion but I’m looking forward to Wentworth as well. ‘Like the Players Championship at Sawgrass, it took me a while to learn to play the course. I’ve learned to resist the temptation to reach for the driver everywhere.’
After Wentworth, McIlroy will embark on the unusual run of four tournaments on links courses, comprising Opens on both sides of the Atlantic and the Scottish version as well as the Irish.
He said: ‘I’d like to win on a few firm courses so I don’t get this reputation where I can only win on soft venues. The greens were pretty firm at Quail Hollow last week (where he won the Wells Fargo Championship by seven shots) and I wouldn’t mind if they got quite firm and fast over the next few weeks. Even when winning The Open at Hoylake last year the course was quite soft.’
Together with Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler, McIlroy has energised the sport in the past six weeks.
‘Jordan’s Masters victory ignited a spark and there’s been a real buzz about events since,’ he said. ‘I’m sure it will be the same this week with so many of the winning Ryder Cup team playing.’ Rory McIlroy came to Niketown to energise fans around Nike Golf innovation and open a new Nike Golf experience. – Daily Mail