23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Rory McIlroy breaks his silence on low-key Masters celebrations after ‘hardest' round of his life at Augusta National
RORY MCILROY has broken his silence on his low-key Masters celebrations ahead of the Zurich Classic.
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Rory McIlory was speaking alongside Shane Lowry on Wednesday from TPC Avondale in Louisiana - where the pair are set to defend their Zurich Classic title
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McIlory is back in action for the first time since his historic win at Augusta National
He's fresh from the historic major Grand Slam success at Augusta National after a
He jetted back to Ireland last weekend before returning on
But it's full focus this week as he joined his pal
The only team event on the
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And he admitted that his Grand Slam win at Augusta was the hardest of his life.
A bunged-up McIlroy admitted to the
The Holywood hotshot said: "We made the trip over to Belfast to see my mum and dad, and a few other people that are important to me over there – to be with them, and Erica and Poppy.
"I also saw Michael Bannon, my life-long coach, and spent a bit more time with Harry [Diamond] and his wife.
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"You know, just celebrate with the people who have been a part of this whole thing for my entire career – was absolutely amazing – as you can hear I've picked up a bit of a cold on the way, I'm a bit under the weather.
"But, obviously, it's been an amazing few days. I'm excited, and happy to be here with my man [Shane Lowry]. We're looking forward to a good week in trying to defend."
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The 36-year-old spoke about the final round at Augusta as he described it as the most challenging of his career.
Five-time major winner McIlroy reckons he'll be able to gain huge confidence from finally adding to his haul.
He added: "I do think the whole day at Augusta – I don't think I'll ever have to play a harder round of golf in my life.
"I certainly don't want to be placed back on that 15th tee-box on that Sunday afternoon.
"To be able to get through that and produce the shots that I needed to, that obviously gives me confidence. I can always draw back on that experience."
Last season, Ireland's 2024 Olympic duo decided to join forces for the PGA Tour's only team event on the regular season rota at TPC Louisiana in Avondale.
And the decision paid off as they claimed
The pair's defence gets underway on Thursday with all the action live on Sky Sports Golf.
