Rory McIlroy Has a Surprising Statement For People Praising His Talent

Today, one knows Rory McIlroy as one of the most successful golfers of all time. He has time and again impressed everyone with his performance, building an impressive profile over the years. In a recent interview during the World Golf Championships-FedEx St. Jude Invitational, McIlroy discussed how he viewed his talent, highlighting his hard work over the years.

Does the word “talented” make McIlroy uncomfortable?

While speaking to the media, McIlroy mentioned his performance among other things, which includes his take on the word ‘talented’.

“It’s okay to rely on your talent. I’ve always been a little uneasy with the talented tag because I feel like I work hard and it was probably a part of my mentality and my ego to be like no I’m gonna drive the ball well with hard work and dedication but you know, if that’s my talent then I might as well use it to the best of my ability”. 

The interviewers further question him about how he came to the conclusion, McIlroy once again reiterating his point about hard work.  “Basically, I was like why don’t I just do what I’ve always done and still a little more freedom with it as well which has helped”.

He even spoke about growth, adding that every game brings forth the opportunity to learn and progress.

READ MORE: Which Player Has the Most World Golf Championships Wins in History?

McIlroy even spoke about playing the St. Jude Invitational, and how the tournament does make a difference at the end of the day. With kids being the focus, he feels a bogey or a birdie does not mean much at the end. “It makes me feel very fortunate,” he added.

The Northern Ireland icon took part in the WGC event after the Olympics, where he finished T3. McIlroy had also made the news for playing without a hat, which is never the correct size for him in team events.

Did Rory McIlroy have trouble adjusting at TPC Southwind?

That being said, the 32-year-old had some problem adjusting at TPC Southwind. He shot 10-under for the tournament but struggled with his wedge game. McIlroy changed equipment in the end, even speaking about how he got there with “a lob wedge with a sole that just completely was no good in Bermuda”.