McIlroy reflects on Masters feat
Rory McIlroy admitted he could “barely get out of bed” after celebrating his Masters triumph with his friends and family in Holywood.
But he insisted he was determined to defend the Zurich Classic of New Orleans with Shane Lowry as he reflected on an achievement he was surprised “resonated” with people from all walks of life.
“Once I got back from Ireland on Sunday, then when I woke up Monday morning, I could barely get out of bed; I was feeling that bad,” McIlroy said.
“I think just to be here and feeling better is an achievement. But I need to put a little bit of practice and a bit of work in today to make sure that I don't let this man down this week.”
McIlroy became just the sixth player to complete the career Grand Slam at Augusta to end his near 11-year wait for a fifth Major win.
“It's been an amazing few days after, and to be able to reflect on it and everything that happened and the magnitude of everything,” he said.
“I think the big thing for me is just how the whole journey resonated with people and the people that have reached out to me. That's been absolutely amazing.
“Look, it's not every day you get to fulfil one of your lifelong goals and dreams, and I've just really tried to enjoy everything that comes along with that.
“I first went to London with Erica and Poppy to see our new home that we're building there last week, and then we made the trip over to Belfast to see my mom and dad and a few other people that are important to me over there.
“Yeah, just to be with them, to be with Erica and Poppy and my mom and dad and to see Michael Bannon, my lifelong coach, and spend a bit more time with Harry and his wife and just celebrate with the people that have been a part of this whole thing for my entire career, my entire life was absolutely amazing.”
The world number two was surprised by the impact his win had on others.
“Yeah, very much beyond golf,” he said. “I spoke to two Presidents the day after, which was pretty cool. Just people reaching out from all walks of life, whether it be sports, entertainment, culture. Just all of it.
“People that you would never even think that would watch golf or would know what's going on, that was very, very humbling, I guess.
“I think people can see themselves in the struggle at times, and everything that you sort of try to put into getting the best out of yourself in that journey.
“I think people watching someone finally get it done, something they've been trying to do for a decade plus, I think it resonated with a lot of people.”
