Rory McIlroy shuts down frosty interview with just 12 words as he brushes off divorce to shoot -5 at PGA Championship

RORY MCILROY shut down an interview question about his divorce after an excellent opening day at the PGA Championship.

Xander Schauffele leads the way after hitting a 62 - the lowest score in PGA Championship history.

4Rory McIlroy shut down questions about his divorce from Eric Stoll4The world number two shot five under in his opening roundCredit: Getty4He was spotted without his wedding ring for the first time during practice this weekCredit: Reuters4McIlroy filed for divorce from Erica on MondayCredit: AFP

But McIlroy is just four shots behind on five under and will be very pleased with his opening round, which leaves him tied for fifth place.

After the first day of action at Valhalla Golf Course McIlroy was asked if it is nice to get back playing golf after he filed for divorce from wife Erica Stoll on Monday.

McIlroy, who was spotted without his wedding ring for the first time when he shot his practice round earlier this week, quickly shut down the line of questioning.

He simply said: "It's always nice to be inside the ropes."

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The reporter pressed further by asking McIlroy if he is able to compartmentalise, hinting at the possible distraction of going through a divorce.

The world number two shut him down, saying: "Happy to be here."

McIlroy, 35, has remained tight-lipped on his personal life all week, choosing to focus on his game.

He said ahead of day one: "I feel good, I am coming to a venue where I've had some success at before."

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McIlroy has not won a major since the 2014 PGA Championship, but he has hit good form this year and arrived in Kentucky on the back of winning the Wells Fargo Championship last week.

He also won the Zurich Classic of New Orleans alongside partner Shane Lowry at the end of last month, shooting 25 under.

Carefree Rory McIlroy has 'shaken off' bombshell split from Erica Stoll 'with ease' as he’s seen laughing ahead of PGA clash

Rory McIlroy shuts down frosty interview with just 12 words as he brushes off divorce to shoot -5 at PGA Championship

Rory McIlroy shuts down frosty interview with just 12 words as he brushes off divorce to shoot -5 at PGA Championship

Rory McIlroy shuts down frosty interview with just 12 words as he brushes off divorce to shoot -5 at PGA Championship

Rory McIlroy shuts down frosty interview with just 12 words as he brushes off divorce to shoot -5 at PGA Championship

Rory McIlroy shuts down frosty interview with just 12 words as he brushes off divorce to shoot -5 at PGA Championship