Virginia Water, England: Rory McIlroy called off his engagement to tennis player Caroline Wozniacki on Wednesday, saying just days after sending out wedding invitations that he was not ready for marriage.

“There is no right way to end a relationship that has been so important to two people,” the twice-major winner said in a statement on the eve of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.

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

“I wish Caroline (who is 23) all the happiness she deserves and thank her for the great times we’ve had.”

The couple, known as ‘Wozilroy’ to their fans, announced their engagement on Twitter in January when the world number 10 golfer from Northern Ireland proposed following a New Year’s Eve fireworks show in Sydney.