“Look, I’ve said a lot of absolutes in my time that I’ve walked back, but I do not envision playing Champions Tour golf. Something has went terribly wrong if I have to compete at golf at 50.”

And while this website has already reported on McIlroy’s reaction to Tiger Woods’ latest injury concern  (See:  http://www.golfbytourmiss.com/2025/03/mcilroy-on-tigers-latest-injury-judging-by-prior-behaviour-hell-definitely-try/ ‘ ) McIlroy was quizzed about his own health, with his only injury since turning pro in late 2007 and that being a non-golf related occurance and rupturing  a ligament in his ankle while kicking a soccer ball with friends that forced him out of his 2025 Open Championship defence.

“I’ll be okay with that; I’m very happy to move aside for the younger generation to come through,” said McIlroy.

“I’ve had an unbelievable … I turned pro in 2007. I’m 18 years into a career. Not a lot of athletes can say they’ve had an 18-year career, and I’m only 35. I can acknowledge how lucky golfers are to be able to do what they do for so long compared to other athletes, so whenever I feel like the time is right, I’ll have no problem moving aside and letting the next generation do their thing.”

So, if McIlroy not going to play the over-50s Champions Tour when would he be thinking of hanging-up the clubs?

“I think when I’ve achieved everything I want to achieve in the game and I get to the point where I don’t think I can maybe do that anymore,” he said.

“I’d also like to walk away with a little bit left in the tank. I don’t want to be out there embarrassing myself. I’d like to walk away maybe a little before I should. … There’s always one more, but that’s okay. I think if you can come to terms with that and walk away on your own terms, then that’s a good thing.”

Well said, Rors and good luck this week.