Rory McIlroy’s ‘messy life’ is blamed for major struggles after Erica Stoll divorce saga

 

Rory McIlroy’s Off-Course Struggles: The Unseen Battle Affecting His Game

In a stunning revelation, Rory McIlroy’s former agent, Andrew ‘Chubby’ Chandler, has suggested that the golf star’s personal life might be the key factor behind his recent underwhelming performances on the course.

 

McIlroy, once a dominant force in the world of golf, has recently hit a rough patch, highlighted by a disappointing 78 after two rounds in a recent tournament. This setback has further dimmed hopes of the Northern Irishman clinching his first major title in a decade. His struggles on the green come on the heels of significant personal turmoil, notably a near-collapse at the US Open amidst swirling rumors about his marital stability.

 

Just prior to the US Open, McIlroy and his wife, Erica Stoll, took the surprising step of halting their divorce proceedings. This move came after McIlroy had filed for divorce the previous month, citing an “irretrievably broken” marriage. Despite a moment of triumph at the Wells Fargo Championship on May 12, McIlroy’s decision to file for divorce the following day raised serious concerns about his mental state.

 

As McIlroy’s performance falters at Royal Troon, where he’s dangerously close to missing the cut after shooting seven-over, Chandler voiced his concerns on talkSPORT about the impact of McIlroy’s off-course issues on his game. Chandler commented, “The top, top players obviously play better more often, and then the really top players take their chances. That’s all that’s happened with Rory. Rory’s played fantastically for ten years, he just doesn’t take any chances. Looking from the outside, and I haven’t seen Rory for a couple of years, but to me it looks like his life is messy. You know what it’s like as a sportsman, you have to have total focus and keep your mind on what you’re doing.

 

But it looks like Rory has spent a year and a half fighting LIV for the PGA Tour, then the PGA Tour pulled the rug from under him, then he started talking about LIV not being too bad, then he had his marriage problems, and then he’s got such media scrutiny because he hasn’t won a major in ten years. So he just can’t get away from it. I think his life is really messy.”

 

The tipping point seemed to be at the US Open, where McIlroy held a two-shot lead with five holes left, sparking a wave of hope among his fans that his decade-long major drought was nearing its end. However, in a heart-wrenching turn of events, McIlroy missed two short putts, leading to a devastating three-bogey streak. This opened the door for Bryson DeChambeau, who seized victory with a stunning play at the 18th hole.

 

In the wake of DeChambeau’s triumph, a visibly shaken McIlroy made a hasty exit from Pinehurst No. 2, struggling to come to terms with his defeat. He subsequently withdrew from several tournaments to be with his family during this tumultuous period.

 

The ongoing narrative of Rory McIlroy’s career is now overshadowed by questions of whether he can regain the mental fortitude to dominate the golf world once more. As Chandler and the golf community watch closely, the answer remains to be seen.