Rory McIlroy is back. Just ten days after experiencing the most important moment of his life, the brand-new Masters champion and new member of the Grand Slam, he is in New Orleans to compete in the Zurich Classic starting this Thursday. Remember, it’s a pairs tournament and Rory is defending the title alongside Shane Lowry.
It’s the first time he’s spoken to the media since his historic Sunday, and the word that defines his demeanour is happiness. He has celebrated in style with the people who matter most to him. “It’s been incredible. I’ve had some very special days and I’ve been able to reflect on everything that happened, the magnitude of the moment… What has impressed me the most is how it has connected with people. Many people have reached out to me, and it has been wonderful. Not every day do you fulfil a lifelong dream, so I’ve tried to enjoy everything that comes with it. We were first in London with Erica and Poppy, seeing the new house we’re building, and then we went to Belfast to see my parents and other important people to me. I was able to be with them, see Michael Bannon, my lifelong coach, and spend time with Harry and his wife. As you can see, I’ve caught a cold, so I’m not 100%, but I’m happy to be here with Shane and looking forward to a great week to defend the title.”
Regarding the impact of his victory, McIlroy has been genuinely surprised by its reach. “It has gone far beyond golf. I spoke with two presidents the day after the Masters. People from all walks of life contacted me: sports, entertainment, culture… People I never imagined followed golf. It was very moving. I think many identified with the struggle, with the constant effort to improve. Seeing someone achieve something they’ve been trying for over a decade impacted many people,” he notes. Rory did not reveal which presidents called him. If we were to guess, perhaps the most likely would be the American Donald Trump and the British Keir Starmer. Although we should not rule out the president of Ireland Michael D. Higgins.
As the days have passed, McIlroy confessed today how difficult the Sunday of the Masters was. “I’m really looking forward to playing again, and this is the perfect place to do it. It’s a fun event, and I know it’s not all on me; Shane also has to work, maybe more than me these two days! I don’t know if it gives me more confidence. I’ve always trusted my abilities, but Sunday at Augusta was the toughest round of my life. I wouldn’t want to be back on the 15th tee that afternoon. Overcoming that and executing the necessary shots does give me confidence,” he notes.
Interestingly, on the 15th hole on Sunday at the Masters, Lowry and McIlroy came to the same conclusion. Shane told his caddie, “I have a feeling Rory won’t want to come to Zurich.” At the same time, McIlroy told Harry, his caddie, “Whatever happens from here to the end, I’m not going to New Orleans.” However, as the hours passed, he changed his mind. “I had committed to coming, and I wanted to honour that. This tournament was important to me last year. I had a great time, and it brought back my desire to play when I was at a very low point.”
As for the rest of the season, both Lowry and McIlroy agreed that their main goal is to win the Irish Open in Ballyliffin. To which Lowry added, “Man, we’re also really excited about the Open in Portrush. I’m glad he won the Masters, among other things, because it will take a lot of pressure off that week.” Let’s remember that Shane was the British champion the last time it was played at Royal Portrush.
