Rory McIlroy has opened up about the arrival of his baby daughter as he returns to the golf course this weekend.
The Holywood golfer said he feels 'emotionally drained' after he and wife Erica Stoll welcomed their daughter Poppy Kennedy McIlroy into the world on August 31.
“I mean, emotionally drained, right,” McIlroy told the Golf Channel.
"We got her home yesterday and just trying to get her settled in...you know it's nice in the hospital you've got so much help, all the nurses are around and they do a phenomenal job.
"Just you're handed your child and they're like, 'see ya later', and they don't come with an instruction manual so you just...every parent has to go through it and we're going through it."
The World Number 4 admitted his game has been a little off since his return but that was to be expected with the worry that surrounds a new baby on the way.
"It's been hard the last couple of weeks because you're sort of in limbo with when she's going to arrive and then in the back of your mind you're hoping it's going to go well, you hope that your daughter's safe, you hope that your wife's safe, there's a lot of different things.
"It's been hard to think about golf these last few days, it's just been so focused on making sure everything is OK at home and maybe this is what I needed for just everything to happen and go well. I haven't played my best since coming back out, since post-covid but maybe things will fall into place."
The Co Down man said he's reassured that Erica and baby are fine recovering at home and that they have some help on hand.
"Thankfully Erica has her mum and sister with her at the minute so she's got plenty of help so I feel a little better leaving and coming here to play this week."
He added: "The fact that that went, you know, well, and everyone is good and recovering at home, I feel more comfortable that I can come out here and play golf and can get a couple of good nights sleep before I go home again next week!
