McIlroy splits with girlfriend Holly

Rory McIlroy played last week’s Open Championship having broken up with girlfriend Holly Sweeney.

The US Open champion’s management company issued a statement tonight saying: “Rory McIlroy’s long-time relationship with Holly Sweeney came to an amicable end before the Open Championship.”

The pair had a period apart earlier in the year, but 20-year-old student Sweeney, a cheerleader for the Ulster rugby team, was at Augusta to greet him after his hopes of winning The Masters were crushed by a closing 80.

She did not attend last month’s US Open, where he claimed his first major title by an incredible eight shots and with a record score, but wrote on Twitter: “My fabulous boyfriend has played flawlessly all week!

“Drink up Northern Ireland, he’s done us proud! Champagne flowing .?.?. Sooo happy for the curly one! 1st major down, millions to go!”

Last night BBC Television screened a documentary featuring the pair together on his return from Washington.