\n<\/p>\n
McIlroy has been largely injury-free since rupturing an ankle ligament in 2015, which forced him to miss the defence of his Open title.<\/p>\n
Speaking before the Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass starting on Thursday, the 35-year-old said he intends to retire with a “little bit left in the tank”.<\/p>\n
“I can acknowledge how lucky golfers are to be able to do what they do for so long compared to other athletes, so whenever I feel like the time is right, I’ll have no problem moving aside and letting the next generation do their thing,” said McIlroy.<\/p>\n
“When I’ve achieved everything I want to achieve in the game and I get to the point where I don’t think I can maybe do that any more.<\/p>\n
“I don’t want to be out there embarrassing myself. I’d like to walk away maybe a little before I should.<\/p>\n
“There’s always one more, but that’s OK. If you can come to terms with that and walk away on your own terms, then that’s a good thing.”<\/p>\n
Asked about the prospect of playing on the Champions Tour, he said: “Absolutely not. I will not play Champions Tour golf.<\/p>\n
“I’ve said a lot of absolutes in my time that I’ve walked back, but I do not envision playing Champions Tour golf.<\/p>\n
“Something has gone terribly wrong if I have to compete at golf at 50.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n