Engaged McIlroy says eye surgery opens up whole new world

LONDON (Reuters) - Newly-engaged world number three Rory McIlroy believes he can play even better golf next year after undergoing laser eye surgery this week.

Engaged McIlroy says eye surgery opens up whole new world

(Reuters)





The 26-year-old Northern Irishman, who usually plays in contact lenses, is back home enjoying some time off before his 2016 season begins at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on Jan. 21.

McIlroy will be bidding for a fifth major, and a career grand slam of all the 'Big Four' titles, at the U.S. Masters in April.

"It (the surgery) was successful," said McIlroy while speaking at a charity event in Belfast where he also confirmed he was engaged to American Erica Stoll.

"I had it (Wednesday) morning in Dublin and I woke up and it was like a whole new world, it's incredible," he told the BBC.

"I've struggled with my eyesight now for 10 to 15 years. I've had contact lenses and glasses and now I don't have to worry about any of that," added McIlroy.

"I think it should hopefully improve me on the golf course and make everything a little bit sharper, that's another positive to take into next year."

McIlroy was out of action for five weeks this year and missed the British Open at St Andrews after rupturing ankle ligaments playing soccer with his friends.

Asked how he would spend the Christmas holidays, he said he would catch up with friends but "probably won't play as much football".

Former world number one Tiger Woods underwent laser eye surgery in 1999 and 2007, winning his first tournament back on both occasions.





(Reporting by Martyn Herman; Editing by Tony Jimenez)


Share

2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: Reuters



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world