Rory McIlroy Expresses Relief and Excitement Ahead of Zurich Classic

AVONDALE, La. (AP) — Rory McIlroy, whose voice was raspy due to a cold that had him struggling to get out of bed just days earlier, shared his relief about having a teammate by his side as he prepares for his first PGA Tour event since his remarkable Masters victory two weekends ago.

“Just to be here and feeling better is an achievement,” McIlroy said on Wednesday, seated next to his partner Shane Lowry at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, where they are the defending champions. “I need to put in some practice and work today to ensure I don’t let this man down.”

McIlroy’s blend of humility and authenticity, paired with his exceptional talent, has made him one of the most beloved and charismatic golfers globally. This reputation remains strong following his recent accomplishment of becoming just the sixth player to win all four major championships after edging out Justin Rose in a playoff at Augusta National on April 13.

“It’s been an incredible few days reflecting on everything that has happened and the significance of it all,” McIlroy noted. “It’s not every day that you fulfill a lifelong goal, and I’ve worked to savor everything that comes with that.”

“I couldn’t be in a better place in my life—professionally and personally,” McIlroy continued. Golf took a back seat for him in the nine days between his Masters win and practice at TPC Louisiana, as he traveled to London with his wife, Erica, and daughter, Poppy, to check on a home they are building, then journeyed to Belfast to spend time with family and longtime friends.

He received a multitude of congratulatory messages from fans, elite athletes, and even some unexpected figures from the entertainment world, all expressing admiration for his journey, especially after the pressure he faced during the final round of this year’s Masters, amidst previous dramatic setbacks in his career.

Looking back on his recent performance, McIlroy noted that pairing with Lowry at the 2024 Zurich Classic has been a “catalyst” in reviving his joy for the game, making it the perfect event to return to despite his recent fatigue and cold. Lowry expressed his enthusiasm for their reunion and acknowledged that he might need to pick up the slack during the tournament, emphasizing his long-standing friendship with McIlroy that keeps things comfortable amid the heightened expectations.