Unburdened by Masters success, Rory McIlroy wants to enjoy the freedom

Rory McIlroy still has goals, and wants to create more career highlights, but he's "not sure if any other win will live up to what happened a few weeks ago" at the Masters. 

OPPORTUNITY: Rory McIlroy plays the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow this week, a course he loves. Pic: AP Photo/Matt York

Rory McIlroy still feels like he wants to cry when he watches footage of his cathartic triumph at the Masters last month. Understandably then, he’s tried not to watch it too much.

The newest member of golf’s grand slam club has pleasantly pressing matters to focus his eyes and mind on this week in North Carolina. The chance to go back-to-back at one of his favourite stomping grounds has presented itself at the PGA Championship. McIlroy is very keen to give it a go. But the desperation of before, that torturous pre-Augusta 2025 era, has been lifted.