Rory McIlroy answers fans’ questions ahead of The Barclays and FedEx Cup Playoffs
Published: Last updated:
After a well-earned week off Rory McIlroy is back in action this week with the Northern Irishman chasing a fourth straight victory as the FedEx Cup Playoffs get underway at The Barclays in New Jersey.
Fresh from wins at The Open, Bridgestone Invitational and US PGA Championship, the spotlight will once again be on the FedEx Cup leader who put preparations aside to answer fans’ questions on the PGA Tour’s Facebook page.
The four-time major champion revealed how his golfing journey began 20 years ago when he played his first full round aged five at Holywood. Just over a decade later, a 16-year-old McIlroy shot his best round to-date: ‘A 61 at Royal Portrush.’
Home course Holywood was also the scene of his first hole-in-one – ‘at the sixth’ – and he offered some advice for those looking to follow in his footsteps: ‘Shorter goals are good. Be the best junior in your golf club and go from there.’
Accuracy with his long irons has been central to McIlroy’s recent dominance and he had a tip for those looking to generate extra height off the fairway: ‘A lot of people don’t realise that when you hit the long iron, putting the ball up your stance will allow you to catch it a little shallow and even on the upswing.’
Despite an incredible month, McIlroy is not resting on his laurels – he says he ‘cannot wait’ to put Nike’s new Vapor irons in his bag – and revealed some of the fitness regime that helps him stay sharp on the course: ‘My favourite exercise in general is squats. Legs and core are very important in a golf swing,’ he said. ‘Before a round I’ll have any sort of carbs – rice or pasta – and maybe a little bit of protein.’
Rory McIlroy Q&A:
Q: Favourite golf course?
A: Augusta National
Q: What ball do you use?
A: Nike RZN Black
Q: How many drinks have you had from the Claret Jug?
A: Too many!
Q: Who would play you in a movie of your life?
A: Colin Farrell… I would like it to be somewhat of a comedy and keep it light-hearted
Q: Scotch or bourbon?
A: Bourbon
Q: What do you listen to before a tournament?
A: Anything house or hip-hop
Q: Do you follow any American sports teams?
A: I’m a Miami Heat fan and a big fan of the NFL!
Q: Spaghetti or lasagne?
A: Spaghetti!
Q: If you played a round with one club what would it be?
A: Six iron
Q: What’s your favourite thing to do on an off day?
A: Go to the beach
