Rory McIlroy, who recently fought a cold that made it hard for him to get out of bed, expressed his relief at having a teammate for his debut event on the PGA Tour since his historic win at the Masters two weekends ago. “Just to be here and feeling better is an achievement,” McIlroy said on Wednesday, alongside Shane Lowry, his partner for this week’s Zurich Classic of New Orleans, where they are the defending champions. “However, I need to put in some practice today to ensure I don’t let this man down.”
McIlroy’s blend of humility and authenticity enhances his incredible talent, making him one of the most beloved and charismatic golfers globally. This appeal has remained strong since he became only the sixth man to claim all four major championships by securing victory over Justin Rose in a playoff at Augusta National on April 13.
“It’s been an amazing few days, reflecting on everything that happened,” McIlroy remarked. “It’s not every day that you achieve a lifelong goal, and I am trying to embrace all that comes with it. I am in a fantastic place in my life, both professionally and personally.”
During the nine days following his Masters victory, golf took a backseat for McIlroy. He traveled to London with his wife Erica and daughter Poppy to oversee a house they are building, before heading to Belfast to spend time with family and long-time friends. He received a wave of congratulatory messages from fans and fellow athletes, including outreach from two presidents and notable figures in entertainment.
These messages highlighted that many found inspiration in his journey, particularly regarding his poise after surrendering the lead in the final round of the Masters, alongside memories of his past hardships in crucial moments, like his disappointing 2011 Masters performance. “The big takeaway for me is how my experiences resonated with people,” McIlroy shared. “Many see reflections of their struggles in my journey.”
Recently, McIlroy has been in peak form, and he credited his decision to team up with Lowry, a fellow Irishman and friend, for revitalizing his passion for the sport. “Last year’s tournament was a special moment for us, reintroducing some joy back into my golf, which is crucial,” he said, emphasizing his commitment to participate despite feeling under the weather post-Masters.
Lowry reminisced about the 15th hole during the final round at Augusta, where he was cheering for McIlroy to win. He speculated whether McIlroy would join him in New Orleans. “I’m thrilled Rory decided to come because I’m eager to see what this week brings,” Lowry said. Acknowledging his need to step up due to McIlroy’s limited practice, he remained confident about their prospects. “I’ve known Rory for years; we’re good friends, so I feel at ease around him, no matter his historic achievements.”
Dutch
English
French
German
Italian
Korean
Portuguese
Spanish