Rory McIlroy ‘ready to play’ as he focuses on major bid amid divorce proceedings

Rory McIlroy declined to make any comment on his impending divorce as he looks to turn his recent superb form into a long overdue fifth major title.

McIlroy filed for divorce from his wife Erica on the eve of the US PGA Championship at Valhalla, where he won the last of his four majors to date in 2014.

Court records show McIlroy submitted a “petition for dissolution of marriage” in Palm Beach County in Florida on Monday.

A spokesperson for McIlroy released a short statement on Tuesday which confirmed the news and “stressed Rory’s desire to ensure this difficult time is as respectful and amicable as possible. He will not be making any further comment”.

Members of the media attending McIlroy’s press conference at Valhalla on Wednesday were reminded of that statement and asked to respect McIlroy’s wishes, with a time limit of 10 minutes for questions also imposed.

The only question which touched on how he was feeling personally was met with a brief response of: “I’m ready to play this week.”

Before that, McIlroy had spoken of his recent victories in the Zurich Classic and last week’s Wells Fargo Championship, form which resembles that of 2014 when he won the Open at Royal Liverpool and the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational before lifting the Wanamaker Trophy at Valhalla.

“I feel good,” McIlroy said. “Obviously had a great day on Sunday at a golf course that I’ve grown to love over the years and had a lot of success at, coming to a venue where I’ve had some success at before as well.

“Obviously get to go back to Quail Hollow every year. Don’t really get to come back here too much. Today was the first time I was on the golf course since 10 years ago, so it was good to refamiliarise myself with the place.

“The golf course is a