Rory McIlroy reveals fascinating plan to 'take a step back' ahead of The Open
Rory McIlroy says he intends to take a step back and have a lot more fun in his life ahead of The Open.
Rory McIlroy has revealed he intends to take a step back from the game and have more fun in his life, following an interview with the Telegraph.
McIlroy, 35, is currently competing at the Genesis Scottish Open where he is looking to become the first player in history to defend the coveted title on the DP World Tour and PGA Tour.
The World No.2 bogeyed the 18th hole for a third-round 67. It leaves McIlroy five shots behind leader Ludvig Aberg, who carded a solid 65 to move to 17-under par.
Aberg leads home favourite Bob MacIntyre - who finished second to McIlroy at last year's Scottish Open - by two shots.
McIlroy has just returned to competition after taking several weeks off following a mentally taxing week at the US Open where he missed two short putts on the last three holes to finish one shot behind Bryson DeChambeau.
After the US Open, the Northern Irishman admitted to spending a few days in New York to try and sort his head out.
While the wait for a fifth major title is now coming up to a full 10 years, McIlroy considers he has been far too hard on himself and has not taken time to enjoy all of his successes in the game.
McIlroy has achieved just about everything in the game at 35 years old, including 26 wins on the PGA Tour and a record three FedEx Cup titles.
Looking towards the future, McIlroy has this week confirmed he plans to start learning how to better appreciate all of his achievements.
He also plans to have a holiday with his wife Erica and young daughter Poppy, as he has not taken one in some five years.
The Ulsterman recently confirmed his shock divorce with his wife is off the table as the couple have sorted out their differences.
Erica has been spotted on site with her husband this week for the first time since shock divorce papers were filed by McIlroy back in May.
"I need to take a step back and appreciate what I’ve done in my career and in my life and enjoy my success,” McIlroy told the Telegraph.
"I don’t really enjoy my success – and I haven’t I would say for the last five. I haven’t been on a vacation in probably four or five years. So I think just stepping back and enjoying myself a little bit more away from my game is the thing. Have some fun."
McIlroy added he wants to put everything he has achieved and continues to achieve in the game into perspective.
"It can be all encompassing trying to figure out this game, I don’t think there’s another sport in the world where golf and life are so intertwined," said McIlroy.
"I live on a golf course and it’s so easy to just go out there at 7pm and hit a few balls. So I think being able to just get away from it and give yourself that free headspace of not thinking about golf is a good thing. I’m committed to having more fun going forward."
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