‘You’ve Got a Bull’s Eye on Your Back’: Former World No. 1 Rory McIlroy Candidly Reveals the Most Strenuous Part of Being at the Top of the Rankings

World No. 2, Rory McIlroy, had a witty exchange with the young and emerging Kim Joo-Hyung at the pre-match press conference ahead of the CJ Cup this weekend. The incident occurred when the latter sneaked on McIlroy’s press and asked about the Brit’s success during his early days on the Tour.

What did Kim Joo-Hyung ask Rory McIlroy at the press conference?

In between the questionnaire, the moderator for the press directed a question from a person called Tom. However, it was Joo-Hyung who answered the call – the South Korean goes by the name of Tom, which is apparently derived from his love for the protagonist in the children’s show, ‘Thomas the Tank Engine!’

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McIlroy smiled at the 20-year-old as the young prodigy shot his question. “What’s it like having so much success as a young player and, you know, coming out and… many years on the Tour? How do you manage all of that?” he asked.

Responding to the question, McIlroy initially complemented the South Korean golfer on his early exploits at the PGA Tour. “I didn’t have as much success as you’re having at such a young age,” he said.

The 4-time Major Championship winner explained why managing one’s own time was the biggest lesson from his younger days. “I think the biggest thing that I realized is managing your time. You’re going to be pulled in so many different directions,” he said.

McIlroy then counted the number of sponsors on Joo-Hyung’s tracksuit and admired his already-overloaded workload, through which he made out why time was essential.

Getting to No. 1 is easier than staying on top

McIlroy also spoke about the hardships of staying at the top position on the players’ standings. “I’ve always almost found it easier to get to number one in the world than staying there,” he said. “I think staying there is harder… you’ve got a bull’s eye on your back.”

He summarized it for Joo-Hyung by saying it was about managing one’s time and not forgetting what got you in a particular position. Hilariously, he also cracked a joke about how the young golfer was lucky to play with him over the next couple of days, but then it flew over everyone’s head!

McIlroy and Joo-Hyung will gear up for the CJ Cup at the Congaree Golf Club this weekend. Keep watching this space for further updates.