Rory McIlroy Announces Personal News at FedEx St Jude Championship

Rory McIlroy said he gained weight during a nearly three-week break from competitive golf at the FedEx St. Jude Championship, explaining that his “fighting weight” was 174 pounds but he now weighs 180 pounds. The added bulk followed a back-injury scare that pushed him toward more strength training, and McIlroy linked increased muscle work to reaching a 190 mph ball speed. On Thursday, however, he shot 4-over par, with four bogeys and a double bogey. He felt good about his swing after practice but will need a sharper Friday.