Rory McIlroy on How Tweaking His Diet Helped His Golf Game: ‘The Doctor Told Me I May Not Be Lucky Next Time’

Published 03/07/2022, 6:00 AM EST

No matter the sport, fitness is important as one’s talent and performance. After all, a healthy body will only help one in playing better. Of course, not every athlete – including PGA Tour star Rory McIlroy – started out with the desired weight or body type he wanted.

In fact, when McIlroy started playing, he did draw in attention for not being as fit as others in the league.

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Workout regime that helped Rory McIlroy play better

As per McIlroy, his early habits gave him the wake-up call he needed .“The doctor told me I may not be lucky next time. That it could put me out for a long time. It was the first time I thought that I may not be able to do what I love, which is playing golf”.

McIlroy explained that everything one does is important, even if it is having a good relationship with food itself. With tough diets always around, one needs to follow a discipline to benefit later.

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Some of McIlroy’s diet was an increase in intake of items, especially since he needed to improve his digestion. “It just doesn’t agree with my body,” he said. “Those are more of a personal thing that’s unique to my body”.

He even recommended a diet, which circled around protein and carbs. What he has to cut down on is chocolate and ice cream.

“I don’t think you want to demonize food,” he added. To the 32-year-old, one needs to manage the diet and fit in one item every once in a while, without really feeling guilty. If the guilt is gone, so is the mental barrier that comes with it.

Why did McIlroy need a new diet?

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McIlroy further explained that while he possessed flexibility, strength was missing. And as he had a swing that required less control, he got hyper-extended – which is when joints move in a different direction.

“I had to up my protein intake quite a bit,” he added, explaining ways to stop the hyper-extension. In the end, McIlroy ended up adding a protein bar to his diet, making sure it was around 170 grams per day.

On that note, currently, McIlroy is playing the Arnold Palmer Invitational. He played the Genesis Invitational last, finishing T10.

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Of course, irrespective of his victories, McIlroy will continue to maintain his fitness. Starting out years ago, a strict diet only helps an athlete regulate better. Hopefully, McIlory, a former World No. 1, will continue to perform at a high level.

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Written by:

Devika Pawar is a Golf and NBA writer at Essentially Sports. A psychology graduate from KJ Somaiya, Devika has an experience with sportswriting at Republic World for around two years now. She loves NBA a little too much, and is a dedicated Golden State Warriors fan.

Rory McIlroy on How Tweaking His Diet Helped His Golf Game: ‘The Doctor Told Me I May Not Be Lucky Next Time’

Workout regime that helped Rory McIlroy play better

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Why did McIlroy need a new diet?