Rory McIlroy says he's played 'too much golf'

Picture someone, anyone, struggling to get out of bed in the morning when their alarm goes off on a workday.

The first person who came into your mind probably wasn't a professional athlete, let alone PGA Tour figurehead Rory McIlroy.

But the four-time major champion admitted this week after a frustrating weekend at the Northern Trust that he's played in so many events over the last year, he's physically and mentally burned out.

"Look, we all had a long week last week as well, but just summoning up the effort to get out of bed and get to your 7:20 pro-am tee time, it took a little more effort today than it usually does," McIlroy said earlier this week via ESPN. "It's a lot of golf. It's hard to feel fresh at this time in the season -- it all just sort of catches up with you."

The Northern Irishman really has indeed had a grueling schedule since the tour resumed last summer, estimating he has played in about 30 events in just a shade over 12 months. Factor in practice and travel, it's no wonder he's feeling exhausted at the end of the season.

His priorities have changed on top of that. McIlroy, 32, is a new dad and admitted to trying to balance work life with home life more so now.

"Any chance I get to go home, especially at this point in the season when we've been away so much, I'm going to take it," he said of flying home in between events to spend more time with his wife and baby daughter. "It's changed a lot. I want to spend a lot more time at home."

The grind isn't over yet, with McIlroy having to play well at this week's BMW Classic to ensure he'll play in the Ryder Cup at the end of September. 

Beyond that, however, it sounds like a long break away from the links to relax and reset is just what he needs.