[Golf Topic] 'Ddal Babo' McIlroy "Starting PO Title Defense~"

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] ○…Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) has become a father...

On the 4th (Korean time), he posted on SNS, "My daughter (Poppy Kennedy McIlroy) was born at 12:15 PM on August 31," adding, "Both my wife and baby are healthy." His wife Erica gave birth to their daughter at a hospital near their home in Jupiter, Florida, USA. Along with a photo of their newborn daughter tightly holding his pinky finger, he wrote, "She couldn't be more adorable," and added, "Thanks to Dr. Sasha Melendi and the staff."

McIlroy's participation in the final third round of the PGA Tour Playoffs (PO), the Tour Championship, has also become possible. The tournament opens that night at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia, USA (par 70, 7,280 yards). Prior to the event, he had hinted at withdrawal, saying, "If I get news that my daughter is born, I will leave immediately." He said, "It was hard to focus on the game until now," and expressed his fighting spirit, "From now on, only good golf remains."

Moreover, McIlroy is the defending champion. Last year, starting as the 5th seed (5 under par), he overcame a 5-stroke deficit against the 1st seed Justin Thomas (USA, 10 under par) to achieve a dramatic come-from-behind victory, hitting the '15 million dollar (17.86 billion won) jackpot.' This year, he is at the 12th seed (3 under par), making title defense challenging. At 2:30 AM on the 5th, he will begin the long journey at the 1st hole (par 4) alongside Brendan Todd (USA).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.