McIlroy 'happy' in spite of recent troubles

Two-time major winner Rory McIlroy insists he is happy with life and is not letting anything deflect his focus away from golf as he bids to win his first Open Championship.

The Northern Irishman has had a mixed year on and off the course with his first victory in 18 months arriving at May’s BMW PGA Championship, just days after he called off his wedding to tennis player Caroline Wozniacki.

He pledged to plough all his energy into his game and it seems even a car crash involving close acquaintance and rumoured new girlfriend Nadia Forde will not distract him on the eve of the 143rd Open Championship at Royal Liverpool in Hoylake.

The 25-year-old model was taken to hospital as a precaution in the early hours of Sunday morning after reportedly rolling her car six times on the M40 in Warwickshire.

“Obviously if anyone’s in a car crash you’re glad to see that they’re okay,” said McIlroy.

“It was a pretty scary incident but everything’s good.”

McIlroy admits he is in a “better place” than earlier in the year.

“Yeah, I’m just focusing on my golf at the moment and making that the number one priority,” added the 25-year-old.

“Am I in a better place? I’m happy with everything that’s going on.

“I’ve got a big stretch of tournaments coming up. I’ve got obviously this week and then go back over to the States and World Golf Championship and then the US PGA and all the FedEx Cup play-offs and the Ryder Cup.

“There’s a lot to keep me busy and just looking forward to that stretch of golf coming up so yeah, I’m happy.”