I’M DITCHING SNACKILROYS
Rory tees up new glory by giving up burgers, fries, chocolate, cakes and red wine. Oh, and Stella too
RORY McILROY has vowed to cut out burgers and chocolate to turn a great career into one of the greatest. The four-time Major winner will spend the autumn overhauling his lifestyle – including medical and diet tests to get the most out of his body. The 28-year-old Northern Irishman has been inspired to go to the next level of dedication by the posse of youngsters emerging at the top of the game. He is yet to win this year and has slipped from world No.1 to sixth behind Dustin Johnson and Jordan Spieth. McIlroy plays at the British Masters at Close House in Northumberland starting today and the Dunhill Championship. Then he will have time off to sort out a rib injury and start “hitting balls again” in late November. McIlroy said: “I’ve had 10 years at this level. I feel like the next 10 years I can be even better. “These next three months could give me the foundation to have the next 10 years be even better than the 10 years I’ve just had which would be what turns a great career into one of the greatest careers.”
McIlory says he will look for every “gain” possible and added: “I’ll do a full health MOT. Get blood done. Get some food allergy testing done. There’s been a couple of things this year where I just haven’t quite had the energy. It’s time to delve deeper into trying to see where I can really make ins and where I can get better and be more disciplined.”
Asked what his weaknesses were diet-wise he said: “I’ve always been interested in food. My diet has not been the best over the past year and a half. I’m always eating out at restaurants and sometimes you don’t make the best choices.
“I’m like a dog, whatever you put in front of me it’s going to be eaten, whether I want it or not. Weaknesses? Red wine. Dark chocolate, too much of it. Burgers, fries, Stella, everything!
“I’ve married a good baker – a very good baker. The only thing we watch in our house at the minute is the Great British Bake Off.”
McIlroy is starting to feel older and chased by new talents. He said: “I’m not getting any younger. I’m not old but when you look at all of the guys who are coming up behind me …
“I want to do everything I can to leave no stone unturned and be able to just make sure I feel as prepared as I possibly can be going into every event.”
Next season McIlroy will play up to 29 events, encouraged by his wife who loves to travel. He said: “I’m looking at playing more next year than I’ve done since my rookie year.
“I like to play golf. I feel like I’ve missed it this year. I’ve got a wife who loves to travel. We don’t have kids yet. It’s perfect.
“The more I play the more chances I give myself to win.”
SIMON BIRD I’m married to a good baker. All we watch is the Great British Bake Off
RORY McILROY