Last updated on .From the section Golf

Rory McIlroy said the issuing of the couple's wedding invitations at the weekend made him realise he "wasn't ready for all that marriage entails"

Northern Irish golf star Rory McIlroy has broken off his engagement with tennis player Caroline Wozniacki.

Two-time major winner McIlroy, 25, and Danish former world number one Wozniacki, 23, announced their engagement on New Year's Eve.

McIlroy on split with fiancee Wozniacki

"The problem is mine," McIlroy said. "The wedding invitations issued at the weekend made me realise that I wasn't ready for all that marriage entails."

The couple had been together for more than two years.

McIlroy is currently at Wentworth for the BMW PGA Championship, the European Tour's flagship event which starts on Thursday.

Wozniacki is set to compete in the French Open in Paris starting on 25 May.

In a statement issued through his management company, McIlroy added: "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."

Analysis Iain Carter BBC golf correspondent "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."

Speaking at Wentworth on Wednesday, McIlroy said the decision to end the engagement had been mutual and amicable.

He said it was a difficult time, but that the move was best for both of them.

McIlroy won the US Open in 2011 and US PGA Championship the following year.

Wozniacki, who has reached the final of one grand slam tournament - the US Open in 2009 - is currently ranked 13th in the world.

When McIlroy announced their engagement, he tweeted: "I have a feeling it is going to be a great year."