Rory McIlroy has arrived at Quail Hollow completely liberated. There is no longer a heavy burden on his shoulders. The victory at the Masters de Augusta should mark a turning point in his career. At least, that’s what he publicly confesses. Basically, it boils down to “I can die happy now.” He doesn’t want more goals. He doesn’t want more challenges. He wants to enjoy what he has achieved without it meaning a loss of ambition.
“We all need to have goals and dreams, and I have been able to achieve something I dreamed of for a long time. Even so, I will continue to set goals for myself. I will continue trying to achieve certain things. But I sit here knowing that the Grand Slam could well be the pinnacle of my career. And that is something very special. I want to keep creating more highlights, more significant achievements, but I’m not sure any other victory will surpass what happened a few weeks ago. I have achieved everything I dreamed of as a child: being the best in the world, winning all the majors. I’ve done it. Everything that comes from now on, as long as I keep playing professionally, is a bonus. I don’t want to burden myself with goals again. I want to enjoy what I’ve achieved and what remains of my career, without pressuring myself with statistics. I just want to play my best golf,” he assures.
In this regard, McIlroy gives a lot of credit to the ongoing work he has been doing with psychologist Bob Rotella for the past four years. The turning point was just before the pandemic. “In 2019 I had my best season statistically, I won THE PLAYERS, the FedExCup… but I felt I failed in the majors. I wrote in my diary that I wanted to change that. I wanted to stand out on the toughest stages. I missed the cut at the US Open from 2016 to 2018. Since then, I haven’t been out of the top 10. It has been a great effort. Working with Rotella consistently since 2021 has been key,” he explains.
Returning to the Masters, McIlroy was asked about Bryson DeChambeau‘s words right after the final round in Augusta. The American complained that Rory didn’t speak to him throughout the round and was visibly upset about it. He tried to downplay it afterward because he really couldn’t explain what he meant. Today Rory has responded firmly. “I don’t know what he expected. We were trying to win the Masters. I wasn’t going to be his best friend out there. Everyone focuses differently. I concentrated on what I had to do. It wasn’t personal,” he states.
As for the wet conditions at Quail Hollow, Rory is not exactly overflowing with joy. He would prefer a drier and harder course. “At the beginning of my career, these conditions favoured me more, or so I thought. But I think Pinehurst last year favoured me. I believe firm conditions favour me. I think, whatever the weather, I have the skills to stand out,” he notes.
Certainly, Rory seems calmer, more relaxed, and more confident than ever. In fact, when asked about which part of another player’s game he would like to incorporate into his golf, he didn’t even answer. He simply said he wouldn’t change any. And if you’re forced to? “But I’m not forced,” he said. Not a step back.
