Rory McIlroy Says He ‘Had to Do a Lot of Begging’ to Get His Girlfriend Back

Rory McIlroy made things look easy when he won last month's U.S. Open, dominating the competition with a record-setting 16-under performance.

As it turns out, winning the U.S. Open was apparently a lot easier for McIlroy than winning his girlfriend back, according to MailOnline.com.

After splitting up with Holly Sweeney last year because he wanted to "take a break" and focus on his game, the 22-year-old phenom said he "had to do a lot of begging and grovelling" to get her back. But for McIlroy, it was all worth it in the end.

"I have known her for six years and for someone my age that is a huge chunk of my life," he said. "She keeps my feet on the ground and knows the things to say to me. She has been such a great support. She takes my mind off golf and everything else that is going on."

McIlroy will get back to work Thursday when play begins at the British Open.