Ah yes. Rory McIlroy. The Rory McIlroy. Whispered (and shouted) to be the foremost golfer in the world, loved by Tiger, respected by Palmer, and dumper of frigid water onto my lone head for the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. That Rory McIlroy. He is a force who has the propensity to actually work hard and play hard – relishing intense practices to substantiate his title, embracing nights of sipping Opus One (his bold and impressive choice of wine) and indulging in group dinners at Cipriani – for the balance, of course. And yet, beyond his work/play ethic, the most endearing quality of this man is his character – as real and honest as they come, appreciating a simple smile, never shunning a fan photo, enjoying a plate of pasta with veal ragu, and expressing a love for his parents that is rarely seen in men his age. Or at any age to be honest. He is not just the real deal…he is real. And perhaps that is what makes him even more cherished. A critical darling and fan favorite – it’s for good reason – he is born and raised in Holywood, Ireland – a long cry from my hometown of Hollywood, California – and yet, he, alone, could be the impetus for his Holywood’s own Walk of Fame. I imagine they would be glad to welcome that gilded boulevard in his honor. Today’s TIG Talk is with the courteous, classy, and ever so talented, Rory McIlroy – who, by the way, had the kindness and wherewithal to not put the two full bags of ice I bought into the bucket – he wanted me to raise awareness for ALS, and yet also survive the challenge. For that I am most grateful:
- My nickname is: Rors. My Mom picked Rory because she thought it couldn’t be shortened so my dad came up with this! I’ve never heard her call me Rors to this day!
- The first thing I do when I wake up is: Put on my glasses. My eyesight is terrible!
- I can’t live without: My music. I constantly have music in my ears when I’m traveling, in the gym or just relaxing around the house.
- If I had one week to escape: I would go somewhere nobody knows what golf is!
- If I only had $10 in my pocket: It would be a normal day. It’s usually the only cash I keep in my wallet for sentimental reasons. It was a 25th birthday present from my parents with ‘Don’t spend it all in one shop!’ Apparently I’m the most difficult person in the world to buy gifts for!
- Everything tastes better with a little: Laughter!
Hero via: Huffington Post
