Rory McIlroy was inspiring at the Masters. He captured the win after besting Justin Rose in an exciting, sudden-death one-hole playoff at Augusta National Golf Club. This win marks a significant milestone in McIlroy’s career, as he becomes the sixth golfer to achieve the prestigious career Grand Slam, having now won the Masters, PGA Championship, U.S. Open, and Open Championship.
As he enjoys the high of his success, McIlroy is fighting off a cold from all his recent travel. Following his triumph at the Masters, he visited his parents in Northern Ireland and spent quality time with his wife, Erica, in London, where they are building a new home. He made time to reconnect with his caddie Harry Diamond as well as his longtime coach, Michael Bannon.
McIlroy’s next test comes at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. He’ll be joining fellow professional golfer Shane Lowry for this incredible experience. The duo is set to tee off at 7:52 a.m. ET on Thursday for the first round of the tournament. McIlroy and Lowry were the champions in this unique team format a year ago. They bested Chad Ramey and Martin Trainer on the first hole of an exhilarating four-man playoff. Interestingly, no pair has ever successfully defended their title since the current team format debuted in 2017.
Looking back on his championship success, McIlroy was thankful for all of the support he’s been given. His feelings about how special it is to win the Masters might’ve come through most clearly. It has shaken the core of fandom and fellow players as well.
“It’s been an amazing few days after, and to be able to reflect on it and everything that happened and the magnitude of everything, I think the big thing for me is just how the whole journey sort of resonated with people and the people that have reached out to me,” – Rory McIlroy
He shared how winning last year’s Zurich Classic with Shane Lowry played a crucial role in his journey towards achieving the career Grand Slam. The bond that these two amazing golfers share makes their time on the course even more incredible.
“I think this is the perfect atmosphere to do it in. I think that’s a part of the reason that I wanted to honor the commitment to be here is because it’s a fun event to be out there with Shane. I also know that it’s not all on me; he has to do some of the work too. Maybe a lot of it the next two days,” – Rory McIlroy
Though he’s been under the weather recently, McIlroy reiterated that he’s looking forward to being back in the heat of battle. He kept his eyes on the prize—getting to the Zurich Classic.
“I’m eager to get back out there,” – Rory McIlroy
Fans took to the streets, while two of his presidential predecessors called to congratulate him. Their reactions underscored just how high the stakes were with his latest achievement.
“That’s been absolutely amazing. Look, it’s not every day you get to fulfill one of your lifelong goals and dreams, and I’ve just really tried to enjoy everything that comes along with that,” – Rory McIlroy
As McIlroy gets set for the next major championship, he’s still excited to be heading back to defend their title together—as teammates—with Lowry. Their mutual history in the annual intercollegiate event adds to the thrill. It’s what powers their desire to come to the table this year to negotiate!
“It’s amazing what a year can do,” – Rory McIlroy
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