Rory McIlroy believes “winning over his mind” was a key factor in his Masters triumph and will bring “nothing but positive vibes” to next week's US PGA Golf Championship.
McIlroy's impressive victory at Augusta National made him only the sixth player in history to complete the Career Grand Slam, and it was his 11th attempt to join the ranks of Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods at golf's most exclusive club.
The victory was doubted by many experts given McIlroy's long drought in results, especially after he failed to convert a two-shot lead late in the final round of last year's U.S. Open at Pinehurst.
The world number two narrowly squandered a five-shot lead with eight holes to go before edging out Ryder Cup teammate Justin Rose with a birdie on the first playoff hole.
“I always had hope,” McIlroy said ahead of his title defense at the Truist Championship.
“I wasn't going to come to Augusta and feel like I couldn't win. The moment I felt that way, I'd go to the Champions Dinner and walk around in my green jacket, but I wouldn't play.
“Yeah, I always had hope. I always believed in my game. And as everyone saw on that back nine on Sunday, it was about overcoming… I don't know how to put it, but it was about overcoming my own mind and overcoming that obstacle.
“Look, I'm just glad it's over. I don't want to go back to that Sunday. I'm happy I finished it the way I did and now we can all move on with our lives.”
McIlroy was happy to celebrate his victory in a rather low-key manner after the Masters, both in England (to see the house he built) and in Northern Ireland, where he admitted he and his mother Rosie “were both in terrible shape for a few minutes” as they became overwhelmed with emotion.
The world number two then finished 12th in defending his title at the Zurich Classic alongside close friend Shane Lowry and then had a number of additional media commitments in New York, but he is keen to get back to his usual routine, especially now that he has shed what he calls the “burden” of chasing a career Grand Slam.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
