At first the news was perceived as stunning.
It came quickly, almost an “oh by the way” moment from Rory McIlroy.
Almost seemed like a casual, “Did I mention I’ve got this little issue with my heart?” type of deal.
First, let’s bring you up to speed on young Rory.
He’s been over in Abu Dhabi getting ready for his 2018 season debut in this coming week’s European Tour event — the HSBC Championship.
Naturally, Rory’s an available kinda guy when it comes to interviews and wanting the folks back home (Northern Ireland) to keep up with him, he chatted with a writer from The Telegraph — a biggie over in the U.K.
The conversation turned to the condition of Rory’s old rib injury — the one that plagued him last year — and he gave this update on that part of his body:
“The rib’s fine, no problems whatsoever – I had an MRI scan on my thoracic spine and all was OK,” McIlroy told The Telegraph.
But then the pride of Holywood dropped this bomb:
“I’ve got a bit of an irregularity with my heart that I have to keep on top of. I have a flat T-wave and I’ll have to get an echo [cardiogram] on my heart every six months and an MRI scan every year.”
Next came immediate panic and speculation from all corners of the internet, which led young Rory to add some clarification later when everyone was going nuts.
“It’s really not that big of a deal and nothing to worry about, apart from getting an annual check up, like you should do anyway,” he said, taking to his social media platforms.
“I feel there’s been a big reaction to it in the media which there really shouldn’t be. I’m fit and healthy and can’t wait to get my 2018 season started in Abu Dhabi next week.”
Now everyone’s wondering about this Rory heart deal, what it is and how did it come about.
McIlroy explained:
“I suffered a really bad viral infection in China 18 months ago and they told me that’s the reason that I have this thickening of my left ventricle and there’s a bit of scar tissue. For now, I just need to stay on top of it and have to stay fit. Hey, I was planning on doing that anyway.”
Notice to golfers: might want re-think those trips to China.
Meanwhile, back in Palm Beach County, Rory decided it was time to ditch his old luxury digs for some newer, larger luxury digs.
McIlroy owns at 10,577 square foot home on the intracoastal waterway, about a driver away from Donald Ross Road in Jupiter. That house is now for sale for $12.9 million if you’re shopping for some cool waterfront digs in the North Palm Beach area. Rory bought it back in 2013 for $9.5 million. One drawback for Rory may have been security. His neighborhood only has an unguarded, electronic gate and the property was fully exposed to any nosy boaters who might want to pull up for a close look at his dock and backyard.
What Rory did do was buy the former home of Ernie Els. It’s a whopping 17,000 square feet, located just off the 17th tee at the nearby Bear’s Club, the posh community developed by Jack Nicklaus and some of his heavy-hitter friends. The Bear’s Club is a fully gated, 24-hour guard at the entrance community. If you’re not expected, you’re not getting in.
Rory once said he didn’t want a house on a golf course but these guys do change their minds.
So new digs in Florida, new health condition to monitor and hopes for a total turnaround in 2018.
Should be an interesting season for Rory.
