CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Rory McIlroy thrives when he’s playing freely, simply showcasing his skills on the golf course.
This week, he’s gearing up to compete in the PGA Championship, starting Thursday at Quazul Hollow, without the usual pressures or lingering questions about his career.
His recent triumph at the Masters marked a significant moment, breaking an 11-year drought in major tournaments and securing his first green jacket. McIlroy achieved a career grand slam, which might be the most freeing moment of his career.
“I’ve achieved all my goals,” McIlroy shared on Wednesday. “I was a kid who dreamed of being the best and winning the majors. I’ve done that. Anything from here on is just a bonus, regardless of how long I choose to keep playing.”
Scottie Scheffler, the defending PGA champion, and Xander Schauffele, both share the course with McIlroy in the first two rounds, expressed concern over McIlroy’s breakthrough. “If that’s what was holding him back and he feels liberated now, that could be quite intimidating for us,” Schauffele remarked.
It’s possible McIlroy could reach a level similar to that of Tiger Woods.
If he secures a win this week, it would mark his sixth major championship and third PGA title, sparking conversations about a potential calendar grand slam, with the big events lined up at Oakmont and the British Open in his native Northern Ireland.
Now that he’s reached this pinnacle, there’s curiosity about what’s next for McIlroy and whether his drive will still be strong. “I’ve put a lot of pressure on myself regarding those career grand slams, and I want to enjoy this moment,” he reflected. “I aim to create more memorable experiences, but who knows how many more victories I might achieve? It could be the highlight of my career.”
Padraig Harrington, an Irish golfer, captured the sentiment well when he questioned if this win would allow McIlroy to relax too much. “It’s an intriguing thought; we’ll just have to see how it plays out,” he said.
John Rahm echoed similar thoughts, suggesting that McIlroy might feel relief from the weight of expectations, potentially enabling him to go on another successful streak. “He’s capable of surprising us, that’s for sure,” Rahm stated.
Rahm also pondered McIlroy’s potential for completing the slam. “Had he won in ’11, I think he would have racked up even more titles,” he said, referencing McIlroy’s notable struggles in specific tournaments.
Scheffler, the current world number one, praised McIlroy’s dedication, noting it’s challenging to endure constant questions about past tournaments. “It’s a big deal for someone with such an illustrious career,” Scheffler said. “It’s rare to have a shot at winning a major championship.”
McIlroy recalled his emotional reaction at Augusta, which gained traction online. “I tried to avoid overthinking it because I wanted to capture my feelings in that moment,” he admitted.
“I’m not trying to hide from it, but I still feel overwhelmed whenever I think about it,” he concluded.
