Rory McIlroy claims he ‘needs a break mentally' as golf icon prepares for The Open
MASTERS champion Rory McIlroy has revealed that he plans to fly back to the UK for a break following a whirlwind few months in the States.
The 36-year-old ended his 11-year wait for a Masters title earlier this year, beating Justin Rose to the green jacket in Augusta.
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In winning the prestigious tournament, he became just the sixth male golfer to achieve a career Grand Slam.
But the Northern Irishman has experienced a dip in form over the last two months.
He finished 19th at the US Open and sixth at the Travelers Championship on Sunday.
Following a disappointing few weeks, McIlroy is now looking forward to returning home with his wife, Erica, and four-year-old daughter, Poppy, for a well-earned break.
He said: "I think more so than anything else it'll just be good for me mentally to take a little bit of a break and get back to my neck of the woods, get back to the UK for a little bit.
"I'm excited for that and I've alluded to the fact I probably haven't taken enough time off or time to reflect after what happened in April.
"So I'm excited to do a little bit of that over these next two weeks."
He also said: "I feel like I live two different lives.
"I'm a dad and a husband when I'm away from here, and then I'm who I am when I'm here.
"It's always nice to get away and feel a bit of normality."
Eagle-eyed fans spot Rory McIlroy's 'unrepeatable' magic trick in furious fit of rage at US Open
McIlroy snubbed the press after his first two rounds at the US Open earlier this month.
He then didn't hold back when explaining the reason behind his hiatus.
"It's just frustration with you guys [some sections of the media]," the golf ace said.
"I have been totally available for the past number of years.
"That [driver issue] was a part of it, but at Augusta, I skipped you guys on Thursday.
"It's not out of the ordinary as I've done it before, but I am doing it a little more often.
"I feel like I've earned the right to do whatever I want to do."
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