Rory McIlroy looks to the future after post-US Masters thrill ride

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland acknowledging the crowd as he walks up the 18th hole during the final round of the Truist Championship 2025. PHOTO: AFP

UPDATED May 13, 2025, 08:43 PM

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CHARLOTTE – It is only a 2½-hour drive from Augusta to Charlotte, but Rory McIlroy endured a whirlwind journey from his knees at the US Masters to the tees at the PGA Championship.

McIlroy completed a career Grand Slam by winning at Augusta National in April, sinking to the finely manicured turf of the 18th green in relief after becoming the sixth man to accomplish the feat while snapping an 11-year Major win drought.

“I always had hope. I always felt like I had the game,” McIlroy said. “Defeating my own mind was sort of the big thing for me and getting over that hurdle.”

The Northern Ireland star’s emotional moment of victory launched a month of adventure that he hopes will produce a Major victory in this week’s 107th PGA Championship.

“I’m just glad that it’s done,” McIlroy said. “I don’t want to ever have to go back to that Sunday afternoon again. I’m glad I finished the way I did and we can all move on with our lives.”

For second-ranked McIlroy, that means competing for a sixth Major triumph by winning at Quail Hollow, where he has captured four PGA events.