Rory McIlroy has turned what could have been an extremely turbulent week into a triumph as he won the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth on Sunday.
Last week the 25-year-old ended his engagement to the Danish tennis star, Caroline Woznicki. McIlroy announced at a pre-tournament press conference that he was determined to concentrate on his golf game despite any personal circumstances.
After an impressive opening round on Thursday the Nike player admitted returning to a simpler way of life was helping him stay focused on the course.
“I haven't turned on my phone for a few days and I've given my laptop away, I'm sort of living like I'm in the 70s.”
With distractions being kept at bay, McIlroy stormed into contention, scoring a 32 on the back nine during Sunday’s final round. Birding the final two holes to secure his first win on the European Tour in 18 months, just one stroke ahead of Shane Lowry.
“It's been 18 months since I won on the European Tour and to win the flagship event, I could not have asked for any more,” McIlroy said afterwards.
Adding, “to win here, against a great field, one of the best fields of the year, especially in Europe sort of cements that, and shows where my game is and I'm on the right track again. Hopefully, it won't be long before I'm contending in majors and having a chance to win those again.”
It’s obvious McIlroy has Pinehurst on the brain. So will the Nike player be able to continue keeping the distractions at bay long enough to be a contender at this year’s U.S. Open? Only time will tell.
Image courtesy by European Tour Website
