Just ahead of golf’s British Open, NBC golf analyst Johnny Miller says that Rory McIlroy’s slump could be attributed to his romantic relationship with Caroline Wozniacki. The two have been dating for the past two years.
While McIlroy has been in a slump this year, he has won six titles -- including the 2012 PGA Championship, one of golf’s four majors -- since he began dating former No. 1 Wozniacki. He also became No. 1 for the first time during their time together.
McIlroy is currently ranked No. 2, but at golf’s most recent major, the U.S. Open, he finished tied for 41st place. The Irishman won the 2011 U.S. Open, but only has four top 10 finishes this season.
On the flip side, since the two have been dating, Wozniacki has only won three of her 20 titles and has only reached one Grand Slam semifinal in her past eight majors. Wozniacki has said that the relationship is not a distraction to either of their careers. Both of them are currently going through equipment changes.
"I think he’s in love for the first time,” Miller told the San Francisco Chronicle, referring to McIlroy’s relationship with Wozniacki. “It’s a wonderful feeling, and it’s distracting.”