UK Writers Try To Maintain Stiff Upper Lip After Rory's Bombshell

They didn't take his comments about seaside golf very seriously at the Open and now their shock appears evident as some of the UK's finest golf scribes grapple with the shocking turn of events in Rory McIlroy's world.

Kevin Garside for the Telegraph:

We should not be surprised at this turn of events. McIlroy is America’s national champion after all. His victory at the US Open at Congressional changed his world. His long-term sweetheart, Holly, is no longer part of his life. He is now holding hands with Danish tennis star Caroline Wozniacki, a young woman who moves in a similar orbit.

As usual Brian Keogh delivers the best analysis and says a combination of personal life changes and a desire to play more American-style golf motivated Rory's change of heart. He also notes that the decision is not in keeping with Chubby Chandler's grand plan for Rory.

McIlroy’s decision, if it finally comes to pass, is yet another example of him taking advice on board, sifting through it and making up his own mind.

When he won the US Open, his agent Chubby Chandler was asked if his No 1 client would rejoin the PGA Tour.

“No, did I say that quick enough?”

The ISM boss plans to talk to McIlroy at Atlanta Athletic Club on Monday. Oh to be a fly on the wall at that meeting.

Lawrence Donegan points to increased scrutiny at home as part of the thinking.

There was little indication of what has caused this change of mind, though it is safe to assume that McIlroy's altered personal circumstances may have had something to do with it. Last month it emerged that he had split from his long-time girlfriend, who is based in Northern Ireland. He said on Thursday that his move was "a little bit" down to the "high level of scrutiny" that has resulted from his US Open triumph. "It is something you just have to deal with," he said.

He is believed to have told a small circle of colleagues of his intentions during last week's Irish Open.

James Corrigan credits the PGA Tour for keeping the door open to McIlroy.

The 22-year-old will still appear on his home continent, but the move will be a huge blow for the European Tour, if only because of the marketing implications of not owning McIlroy "exclusively". He tore up his US card after just 12 months last year, speaking of his dislike of the end-of-season FedEx Series, missing his hometown of Holywood as well as some of his favourite events in Europe.

The PGA Tour has made strenuous efforts to persuade golf's young phenomenon back into its glitzy fold and was thrilled when McIlroy approached it yesterday to ask about the possibility of a return. In truth, it was akin to David Beckham asking Preston if they would like him back. With the PGA Tour's TV contract up next year this was just the news its commissioner wanted to hear. With the deal running into hundreds of millions, the reaction was understandable. "We would be ecstatic if it happens," said Andy Pazder, the PGA Tour's chief of operations. "Rory is a huge asset and an immense talent."

Homewreckers!