McIlroy nearly quit golf after Mullingar win

Rory McIlroy has revealed that he nearly gave up golf after winning the Mullingar Scratch Cup in 2006.

The three time Major winner has revealed that he almost turned his back on the game after his win in Mullingar. 

"I was ready to give it up when I was 17 and I remember the drive home with my dad after I'd won the Mullingar Scratch Cup," he said.

"It was about a three-hour drive back home and I remember saying to dad that I've just won but I don't feel happy or excited.

"I got back home and didn't play golf for about three days and didn't practise.  I must have been an impulsive teenager going through some hormonal issues.

"But that was the only time. Apart from that, I love the game of golf."