Rory McIlroy shows true colours with post-round actions at FedEx St Jude Championship
Rory McIlroy demonstrated his multifaceted interests and personal dedication following his initial round at the FedEx St. Jude Championship held at TPC Southwind. Despite a demanding day under the sweltering Memphis heat, the Northern Irish golfer opted not to rest but instead ventured to a local tennis court. There, McIlroy took a moment to indulge in his passion for tennis, posing for a photograph with Wiley Barron, the son of Champions Tour major champion Doug Barron. This interaction, captured with McIlroy holding a pair of tennis racquets, was later shared on the PGA Tour Champions’ social media platforms, highlighting McIlroy’s enthusiasm for the sport beyond golf.
McIlroy, aged 35, has long been known for his avid interest in tennis. His enthusiasm for the sport was notably evident during the Olympics when he narrowly missed out on a medal. McIlroy and his wife, Erica Stoll, took a trip to Roland Garros to witness a doubles match featuring Spanish tennis legends Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz. The couple was also present for a match between Nadal and Alcaraz against Rajeev Ram and Austin Krajicek. Reflecting on this experience, McIlroy expressed his excitement about finally seeing Carlos Alcaraz play live and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere as the match progressed, particularly during a thrilling comeback in the second set.
Following his round at the FedEx St. Jude Championship, where he carded a score of 68, McIlroy refrained from addressing the media. His round included an eagle, two bogeys, and a pair of late birdies, placing him four shots behind the tournament leader, Chris Kirk. Despite not engaging with the press, McIlroy had previously spoken about his hopes for the FedEx Cup Playoffs. He expressed a desire to use the upcoming events to “flip the script” on what has been a mixed season.
In 2024, McIlroy has secured three victories, including two on the PGA Tour. Nonetheless, his season has had its share of disappointments, most notably at the US Open in June. There, McIlroy squandered a two-shot lead in the final five holes, ultimately falling to Bryson DeChambeau. Reflecting on his performance, McIlroy acknowledged his achievements but also noted his high expectations for himself. While he is pleased with his wins, he expressed a desire to have added more victories to his resume.
Looking ahead, McIlroy remains focused on the remaining tournaments of the PGA Tour season. With three tournaments left in the PGA Tour playoffs and several others on the horizon, he sees this as an opportunity to transform what he considers an “okay” season into a “very good” one. He has historically performed well during the playoffs, a fact he attributes to the motivating factor of reshaping the narrative of his season. McIlroy is determined to capitalize on the upcoming events to close out the season on a strong note, aiming to make a significant impact in the final stretch of the year.
