Rory McIlroy calls off wedding to Wozniacki as invites go out

Golfer Rory McIlroy has split from his fiance, Danish tennis player Caroline Wozniacki, after realising he was "not ready for marriage".

The announcement of the "mutual and amicable" split comes just days after invitations to the couple's wedding had been sent out. The couple, who had been together for two-and-a-half years announced their engagement on New Year's Eve.

"The problem is mine," said the 25-year-old golfer in a statement. "The wedding invitations issued at the weekend made me realise that I wasn't ready for all that marriage entails.

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"There is no right way to end a relationship that has been so important to two people. I wish Caroline all the happiness she deserves and thank her for the great times we have had."

The change of heart has come out of the blue. Wozniacki and McIlroy appeared happy together, and last month she even acted as his caddy in the traditional par-three tournament ahead of the US Masters last month.

"The news has shocked the worlds of both golf and tennis, particularly with the timing of the split. McIlroy is due to start a crucial run of tournaments, while Wozniacki is playing the upcoming French Open," says BBC golf correspondent, Iain Carter.

McIlroy today appeared "distracted" at a press conference ahead of his latest tournament at Wentworth, reports the Daily Mail. The Daily Mirror says he seemed "close to tears" as he faced the media.

The golfer's relationship with the former world number one woman tennis player came under scrutiny last year, when some observers, including Gary Player, suggested that his game was being affected by their hectic schedules. Soon afterwards there was speculation that the couple had split up, but it proved to be unfounded.

Soon after the announcement of their engagement earlier this year McIlroy said: "Everything just seems to have fallen into place nicely and I can just go out there and focus on my golf."