Grown-up' McIlroy insists 'learnt lesson' from Honda Classic 'walk-out'

Northern Irish professional golfer Rory McIlroy claimed that he had 'grown up' since he walked out of the Honda Classic last year and insisted that he had learned his lesson.

McIlroy reportedly said that he had learnt from that episode and matured ahead of this year's Honda Classic.

According to Mirror.co.uk, McIlroy had initially said that he was in a 'bad place mentally' and later on blamed a toothache for his exit from the wayward second round 12 months ago.

McIlroy, who became world No. 1 at the Palm Beach event in 2012, reportedly said that golf could be 'frustrating' and 'emotionally tough' but he needs to stay patient and play his way through the difficult patches.

However, McIlroy added that he was enjoying his passion for the game once again as it had helped him bag the No.1 position in the world.