‘I live two different lives' – Rory McIlroy says he ‘needs a break mentally' just weeks before The Open
The 36-year-old
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Rory McIlroy says he 'needs a break mentally' following a whirlwind few months
Credit: Getty
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McIlroy with wife Erica Stoll
Credit: AFP
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,
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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.
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"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's struggles come just three weeks before The Open at Royal Portrush.
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Heading to the home tournament will cap a rollercoaster 18 months for the Northern Irishman.
L
ast May he and wife Erica
after seven years of marriage.
But just a month later, the couple revealed
As they embark on a new period in their relationship, it's understood Erica decided the McIlroy family - which includes daughter Poppy, 4, should leave America and return to live in the UK.
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The couple are back on track - and planning to move to the UK
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Open snub
At the US Open earlier this month McIlroy snubbed the press after his first two rounds.
He then didn't hold back when
"It's just frustration with you guys [some sections of the media]," the golf ace said.
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"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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