In normal circumstances, Rory McIlroy returning to a scene of triumph would be cause for deep reflection. McIlroy finished in darkness at Valhalla when claiming the US PGA Championship of 2014, in what provided a theatric backdrop to his fourth and hitherto last success in one of golf's majors.
McIlroy landed back in Louisville, Kentucky, this week with back-toback PGA Tour wins to his name. These are no ordinary times.
A McIlroy media appearance on the eve of this US PGA lasted a mere nine minutes and seven questions from a packed floor. The appearance of news on Tuesday that 24 hours earlier the 35-yearold had filed for divorce from his wife of seven years has suddenly distorted the scene around McIlroy.
On Sunday, McIlroy stood with trophy aloft at Quail Hollow after a dominant closing 18 holes. It was made plain he would make no comment on his private life, a mantra to which he stuck firmly.
"I'm ready to play this week," was McIlroy's businesslike reply when asked simply how he was feeling.
If it seems a pity it has come to this, it must also be remembered McIlroy has form for thriving inside the ropes when there is noise elsewhere. He played some of the finest golf of his career in 2022 while basically fronting the PGA Tour's war against LIV.
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