The world’s number one golfer Rory McIlroy shocked onlookers when he walked off the course at the Honda Classic last week, complaining that he was ‘not in a good place mentally’ to be competing. An hour later, he blamed a sore wisdom tooth for his withdrawal and said that he was waiting for surgery to get it removed.
McIlroy was not having a great day to start with; he was already seven-over par eight holes into the second round when his second shot landed in the water, the Irish player then shook hands with Ernie Els and Mark Wilson before departing without even finishing the hole. ‘There’s not really much I can say guys.’ He told waiting reporters as he headed for his car.
An hour after the drama unfolded on the course, McIlroy released a statement blaming dental problems for his poor game and subsequent exit; ‘I have been suffering with a sore wisdom tooth, which is due to come out in the near future,’ he said, adding that ‘It began bothering me again last night, so I relieved it with Advil. It was very painful again this morning and I was simply unable to concentrate. It was really bothering me and had begun to affect my playing partners.’
The golfer – who plays for Northern Ireland – later apologised to the tournament, maintaining that he had every intention of defending his title at the Honda Classic, saying ‘This is one of my favourite tournaments of the year and I regret having to make the decision to withdraw, but it was one I had to make.’