Pádraig Harrington has offered his view on Rory McIlroy's frame of mind after the Co. Down golfer filed for divorce from his wife of seven years Erica Stoll.
The upheaval in McIlroy's personal life comes on the back of an upturn in form on the golf course, after he won the Zurich Classic alongside Shane Lowry, before following that up with victory at the Wells Fargo Championship last weekend.
He and Scottie Scheffler are billed as the two favourites for the USPGA Championship this weekend, but the second major of the year comes just days after news of McIlroy's divorce broke.
The golfer's communication team confirmed the reports and fans have since speculated on whether the situation will be playing on McIlroy's mind at Valhalla.
Harrington, who will also be teeing off on the Kentucky course, has offered his two cents on the situation, and on how golfers usually react to issues in their personal lives.
Rory McIlroy divorce could bring "clarity" at PGA
"With Rory, you know, there could be clarity there for him," said the Dubliner. "But he's won the last two weeks so I don't know. I have no idea.
“You know, it's all very personal. I've seen people who've had stuff going on off the golf course and the golf course becomes a haven. Nobody can ask them the question out there. They are back at business as usual.
“But then I've seen others where, you know, just being out there, they weren't comfortable. So I just don't know where it's going to sit. And it's impossible to tell.
“There's no way anybody can tell me that there's a guaranteed, set cause and effect. There never is in golf.”
1 October 2023; Rory McIlroy of Europe celebrates a putt on the 15th hole during the singles matches on the final day of the 2023 Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome, Italy. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
McIlroy aiming to end major drought
McIlroy will hope that Valhalla can be his haven this weekend, as he looks to end a decade-long drought since he last won a major.
He will be teeing off at 1.15pm Irish time on Thursday, alongside Dustin Johnson and Justin Rose, with Lowry starting at 6.18pm and Harrington at 7.35pm.
See Also: Rory McIlroy Pays Heartfelt Tribute To His Mother After Winning Wells Fargo Championship
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