Rory McIlroy shows true stripes with golf star’s gesture at FedEx St Jude Championship

Rory McIlroy’s Resilience: From Golf Course to Tennis Court and the Pursuit of Greatness

Rory McIlroy kicked off the FedEx St. Jude Championship with a strong two-under-par opening round, but the day was far from over for the Northern Irish golf star. After battling the intense Memphis heat, McIlroy wasn’t ready to hang up his gear. Instead, he traded his golf clubs for tennis rackets, eager for some post-round action. Captured in a joyful moment, McIlroy was seen wielding not one, but two rackets, alongside Wiley Barron, the son of veteran tour player Doug Barron, at a local tennis center. The photo of the two quickly circulated on social media, sparking a wave of excitement among fans.

At 35 years old, McIlroy is no stranger to the tennis world. He has often been spotted cheering from the stands at major events, including the Olympics, where he is known to support the sport with the same passion he brings to golf. McIlroy’s love for tennis isn’t just casual; he and his wife, Erica Stoll, have been seen enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of tennis matches, most recently at Roland Garros. There, they witnessed tennis icons Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz teaming up in doubles. After completing his round at Le Golf National, McIlroy shared his enthusiasm about the experience.

“I got to attend my first event last night, watching Rafa and Carlos play doubles,” McIlroy said. “I had never seen Carlos play live before, and I was really excited about that. Rafa is always incredible to watch, and the atmosphere was electric, especially when they started to make a comeback in the second set. It was amazing to be part of that moment,” McIlroy shared, his excitement evident.

After wrapping up a solid round of 68 on Thursday, which included an eagle and some late birdies that put him just behind leader Chris Kirk, McIlroy didn’t stop to talk to reporters. However, earlier in the day, he had been candid about his thoughts on the season and his goals for the upcoming FedEx Cup Playoffs. Despite having three wins under his belt in 2024, including two PGA Tour titles, McIlroy couldn’t shake the disappointment from some of the season’s tougher moments, particularly his near-miss at the U.S. Open in June. During that tournament, he let a lead slip away, ultimately losing to Bryson DeChambeau.

“I don’t want to downplay my achievements this year—I’ve done some good things—but I also hold myself to a high standard,” McIlroy said before the tournament. “I’ve won a couple of times, and there were other opportunities where I could have won but didn’t quite close the deal. I would have liked to add a few more victories to my record.”

Despite the ups and downs of his season, McIlroy remains determined and focused as he looks ahead. “There are still three tournaments left in this PGA Tour season,” he noted. “I’ve actually got eight or nine tournaments left this year, but these three on the PGA Tour are crucial. They give me the chance to turn an okay season into a very good one. When most of the season is behind you, and you have this three-week stretch to change the narrative, it’s a powerful motivator. That’s part of why I’ve done well in the playoffs the past few years.”

McIlroy’s determination is evident as he gears up for the final stretch of the season, aiming to turn his challenges into a triumphant narrative. As he balances his passion for both golf and tennis, McIlroy’s resilience and drive to succeed remain at the forefront of his journey.