Rory McIlroy Shines at FedEx St Jude Championship Before Tennis Break

Rory McIlroy kicked off the FedEx St Jude Championship with a solid two-under-par 68 on Thursday, showcasing his skills at TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee. Despite the sweltering heat and humidity, the four-time major champion chose to extend his day of athleticism by engaging in a game of tennis. McIlroy was spotted at a nearby tennis center, posing for a photo with Wiley Barron, son of Champions Tour major champion Doug Barron, which was later shared on social media by the PGA Tour Champions. The 35-year-old golfer, an avid tennis fan, has previously expressed his admiration for the sport. During the Olympics, he and his wife, Erica Stoll, attended the French Open to watch tennis legends Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz compete. McIlroy's enthusiasm for tennis is evident, as he noted his excitement to see Carlos play live for the first time. After his round, McIlroy refrained from speaking to reporters but reflected on his performance, which included an eagle, two bogeys, and two late birdies, leaving him four shots behind leader Chris Kirk. Looking ahead, McIlroy aims to leverage the upcoming FedEx Cup Playoffs to improve upon what he describes as a frustrating season. With three victories in 2024, including two on the PGA Tour, he remains focused on achieving a higher standard for himself. As the playoffs approach, McIlroy sees this as a crucial opportunity to reshape the narrative of his season, emphasizing the motivation to perform well in the final weeks of competition.