Rory played Open despite heartbreak

Rory McIlroy played last week's Open Championship having broken up with girlfriend Holly Sweeney.


Rory McIlroy

The US Open champion's management company issued a statement yesterday saying: "Rory McIlroy's long-time relationship with Holly Sweeney came to an amicable end before the Open Championship."

The pair had a period apart earlier in the year, but 20-year-old student Sweeney, a cheerleader for the Ulster rugby team, was at Augusta to greet him after his hopes of winning The Masters were crushed by a closing 80. McIlroy was favourite for last week's event, but finished in joint-25th position.