Rory McIlroy has opened up to being “more motivated than ever” as he returns to action for the first time since winning the Masters for the second time.
The world number two won successive Green Jackets last month when he fended off Scottie Scheffler.
McIlroy became just the sixth man to complete the career Grand Slam and admitted that his second victory in August “feels a lot different”.
The Northern Irishman said: “I guess, you know, and I’ve spoken about this a lot, I felt like winning the Grand Slam was going to be this life-changing thing, and in some ways it was.
Rory McIlroy has shared that he is ‘more motivated than ever’
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“But in other ways I had to remember like, no, I still have a lot of my career left and I want to keep playing and keep competing.
“So this year was, I think, validation for all the work that I’ve put in over the last few years to get myself back to this place where I’m winning majors.”
McIlroy struggled to compete at the two following majors after the Masters last year.
He could not find his swing at the USPGA Championship or the US Open, before registering a top 10 finish at the Open.
The Northern Irishman has not competed since his Masters triumph
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He grew back into form, winning his second Irish Open, and was a protagonist in Europe’s victory over the US in the Ryder Cup.
Speaking ahead of his return to golf, McIlroy said: “I’m excited for this week, I’m excited for Aronimink next week (USPGA Championship), Shinnecock (US Open), Birkdale (the Open).
“You know, like I feel like if anything, I’m more motivated after what happened at Augusta this year than I’ve ever been.
“I feel like I’ve gotten more out of this golf tournament than I’ve given back to it in a way.”
McIlroy said: ‘I’m more motivated after what happened at Augusta this year than I’ve ever been’
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The two-time Masters champion continued: “Because we do get incredible support every time we come here. It’s not just me; I think every player in this field would feel the same way.
“The atmosphere of this tournament is what makes it stand apart from some of the others on tour. Yeah, it’s amazing how the community rallies behind this event.
“It is nice to come back to the same place for so many years, and you see familiar faces and so, yeah, as I said, it’s always nice coming back here.”
McIlroy will be partnered with Matt Fitzpatrick tomorrow
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McIlroy tees up on Thursday at 3:05pm BST, looking for a fifth career win at Quail Hollow.
The Northern Irishman has been partnered with fellow Briton Matt Fitzpatrick, who comes into the tournament in fine form.
McIlroy won his first PGA Tour title at Quail Horrow in 2010, with further victories in 2015, 2021 and 2024.
