By Tony Jimenez
VIRGINIA WATER England (Reuters) – Golfer Rory McIlroy called off his engagement to tennis player Caroline Wozniacki on Wednesday, saying just days after sending out wedding invitations that he was not ready for marriage.
“There is no right way to end a relationship that has been so important to two people,” the twice major winner said in a statement on the eve of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.
“The problem is mine. The wedding invitations issued at the weekend made me realise I wasn’t ready for all that marriage entails.
“I wish Caroline all the happiness she deserves and thank her for the great times we’ve had.”
The couple, known as ‘Wozilroy’ to their fans, announced their engagement on Twitter in January when the world number 10 golfer from Northern Ireland proposed following a New Year’s Eve fireworks show in Sydney.
McIlroy, looking clearly distraught, told a news conference later in the day that he never had any thoughts of withdrawing from the European Tour’s flagship event.
“I’m not going to lie,” said the 25-year-old. “It’s going to be really difficult but when I get inside the ropes I’m going to have to try and concentrate on the matter in hand.
“There is never a good time to end a relationship, I guess. I made a commitment to be here and I thought my duty was to play in this event.”
