Rory McIlroy breaks off engagement to tennis star Caroline Wozniacki

It was only a few days ago that Rory McIlroy and Caroline Wozniacki sent out wedding invitations.

Now, one of sport’s glitziest power couples has abruptly split, with the golfer from Northern Ireland announcing Wednesday that he has broken off his engagement to the Danish tennis star.

“The wedding invitations issued at the weekend made me realize that I wasn’t ready for all that marriage entails,� McIlroy said in a statement issued before the BMW PGA Championship in Britain. “I wish Caroline all the happiness she deserves and thank her for the great times we’ve had.�

McIlroy and Wozniacki had been dating since 2011, getting engaged on New Year’s Eve. The romance made frequent tabloid headlines, not all positive.

There had been rumblings of problems in the past, especially after the 23-year-old Wozniacki posted a snapshot of McIlroy sleeping, mouth agape, on social media.

“It is quite a difficult time for Caroline and myself,� McIlroy told reporters on Wednesday. “It was mutual and we both thought it was the best for us, the best for both of us. Time to move on, and I’ve said all that I need to say.�

Both players have been ranked No. 1 in their respective sports. McIlroy has two major championships -- the 2011 U.S. Open and the 2012 PGA Championship -- on his resume.

Focusing on golf might be tough for him this week, but the 25-year-old insisted that he would not withdraw from the tournament at Wentworth Club.

“Look, I’m no different than anyone else,� he said. “Everyone has been through breakups, and it’s obviously very, very difficult. But look, I’m here to try and concentrate on this week and answer questions about golf, and that’s what I’m going to do.�