2026-05-07 13:33:41

Rory McIlroy is “motivated” to build on the successful defence of his Masters title.

The Northern Irish golfer returns to action for the first time since retaining his Green Jacket last month at this week’s Truist Championship and is targeting more success after adding to his major haul at Augusta.

McIlroy told reporters: “It [returning to action] feels a lot different [to last year].

“I’ve spoken about this a lot, I felt like winning the Grand Slam was going to be this life-changing thing and in some ways it was, but in other ways I had to remember, ‘No, I still have a lot of my career left and I want to keep playing and keep competing.’

“This year, I think winning was validation for all the work that I’ve put in over the last few years to get myself back to this place where I’m winning majors. I’m excited for the road ahead.

“I’m excited for this week, I’m excited for Aronimink next week [PGA Championship], Shinnecock [US Open], Birkdale [The Open]. I feel like, if anything, I’m more motivated after what happened at Augusta this year than I’ve ever been.”

McIlroy experienced a slump in form after completing the career Grand Slam at The Masters in 2025 but insists that things feel “different” this time around.

The world number two said: “It [celebrating] has been amazing – maybe not quite as hectic as last year. I think this win felt a little bit different than the first win at Augusta.

“It’s been really nice to spend time at home. I’ve done a couple of things, but I didn’t do the media trip up to New York. It was nice, my parents were in the States, so I didn’t have to fly home and see them. It was nice to just get a little bit of downtime and chill.

“Did some fun stuff. Erica [his wife] and I took a trip to New York, which was nice. Then did the State Dinner at the White House (last week), which was an amazing evening. So fitted in some fun stuff.

“I gave myself a good 10 days to enjoy myself and then thought I needed to get back on the range and start to practice and get ready for this stretch coming up.”

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