Rory McIlroy says successful the Masters to finish a long-sought profession Grand Slam will change how he feels going into different majors, beginning at subsequent week’s PGA Championship. World quantity two McIlroy defeated England’s Justin Rose final month at Augusta Nationwide to seize his fifth main title, and first since 2014, to lastly take the inexperienced jacket and full the profession Slam. The 36-year-old from Northern Eire joined Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Gary Participant, Gene Sarazen and Ben Hogan with wins in all 4 main tournaments.
So when McIlroy tees off subsequent week at Quail Hole, a course the place he has received 4 PGA Tour titles, it will likely be as a reigning main champion for the primary time in 10 years.
“I am clearly going to really feel extra comfy and rather a lot much less stress, and I am additionally going again to a venue that I like,” McIlroy mentioned. “It is nothing however constructive vibes getting into there subsequent week with what occurred a couple of weeks in the past after which how properly I’ve performed at Quail.
“Yeah, it in all probability will really feel a little bit bit totally different. I in all probability will not be fairly as on edge as I have been the previous few years after I’ve been at main championships. I am going to in all probability be a little bit bit higher to be round… I will be a little bit extra relaxed. I feel general it will likely be factor.”
There will likely be contemporary challenges.
World primary Scottie Scheffler, who received 9 occasions final yr, took his first title of 2025 ultimately week’s CJ Cup Byron Nelson and tied a PGA Tour 72-hole file low of 253 strokes.
“Scottie received by one million final week and appears to be taking part in again to his greatest,” McIlroy mentioned.
“We’ll see who’s the most effective participant on the PGA,” Scheffler mentioned. “Rory has been taking part in some large golf this yr.
“I really feel like my recreation is trending in route. I am excited to begin the remainder of the season.”
Justin Thomas, a two-time PGA Championship winner, received his first title because the 2022 PGA ultimately month’s Heritage match.
“Rory successful the Masters… Scottie successful final week. These two deserve all of the highlight and the favoritism they’re going to in all probability have subsequent week,” Thomas mentioned. “We’re taking part in properly and feeling nice about every little thing come subsequent week as properly.”
LIV Golf Korea winner Bryson DeChambeau, the reigning US Open champion, was solely crushed in final yr’s PGA on the 72nd gap earlier than he edged McIlroy a month in a while the 72nd gap to win the US Open.
“There’s loads of star-studded expertise on the market proper now that is going to be within the PGA Championship. We will be battling it out,” DeChambeau mentioned.
Defending champion Xander Schauffele, who additionally received final yr’s British Open, is motivated so as to add to his main haul.
“I do not assume it is motivation to remind individuals. I feel it is simply motivation to play higher and to maintain working laborious,” Schauffele mentioned.
“I really feel like I am placing good constructing blocks collectively to get me again to a spot the place I really feel like I can win each week.”
Spieth eyes profession Slam
Hoping to finish his personal profession Grand Slam is Jordan Spieth, who received the 2015 Masters and US Open and 2017 British Open. He is simply getting over left wrist surgical procedure from final August, taking pictures a 62 within the Byron Nelson ultimate spherical.
The American will make his ninth try to finish the profession Grand Slam on the PGA, on identical Quail Hole course the place he had his first likelihood at ending the Slam in 2017.
“My ball-striking is coming round at a very nice time,” Spieth mentioned. “I have been progressing every week because the surgical procedure.”
Spieth mentioned McIlroy’s emotional Masters victory served as inspiration for his personal Slam dream whereas McIlroy is aware of the wrestle Spieth has endured.
“You are not simply making an attempt to win one other match, you are making an attempt to turn out to be a part of historical past, and that has a sure weight to it,” McIlroy mentioned. “I’ve definitely felt that at Augusta through the years. I am positive Jordan has felt {that a} bit going into every PGA that he is had an opportunity to do the identical factor.”
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