Rory McIlroy is eyeing another major about a month after completing the career Grand Slam. McIlroy is still in euphoric mode following his success at Augusta National last month, but he’s already looking ahead as he prepares to compete at the PGA Championship this week. The Northern Irishman became just the sixth player to complete the career Grand Slam when he saw off Justin Rose in a thrilling playoff at the Masters.
McIlroy Eyes More Major Titles
McIlroy’s Masters win ended a major drought dating back to 2014. The win was the 36-year-old’s fifth major, but McIlroy is already looking to win his sixth major at this week’s PGA Championship. McIlroy will be confident going into the tournament, as he has already won four PGA Tour events at Quail Hollow—the venue of the PGA Championship.
The 36-year-old will be keen to become the first player to win back-to-back majors since Jordan Spieth achieved the feat by winning the Masters and U.S. Open in 2015. While McIlroy admits the inflow of congratulatory messages in the aftermath of his Masters win was “absolutely amazing,” he believes that he has more wins ahead.
“I have achieved everything that I’ve wanted,” McIlroy said on Wednesday before the PGA Championship. “I’ve done everything I’ve wanted to do in the game. I dreamed as a child of becoming the best player in the world and winning all the majors. I’ve done that. Everything beyond this, for however long I decide to play the game competitively, is a bonus.”
Quail Hollow Could Be McIlroy’s Lucky Charm Again
McIlroy wasn’t even supposed to play the first time he played at Quail Hollow. He was advised by the doctor to take his time to recover after he sustained a persistent back injury. McIlroy was adamant and played anyway. However, he needed to go 2-under in his final three holes to make the cut on Friday, and he spent Saturday night at Del Frisco’s down the road watching a boxing match between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Shane Mosley into the wee hours of Sunday morning.
In the final round, a birdie on the 11th spurred the 36-year-old to a torrid back-nine 30, leading him to win his first-ever PGA TOUR title. McIlroy has since gone on to win three more PGA Tour events at the same venue since his first win there as a 20-year-old. His wins at Quail Hollow include last year’s Truist Championship. McIlroy averages 69.48 around Quail Hollow, beating every other player by nearly a full shot. He has recorded nine top-10s and only one missed cut in 13 starts at this venue. The Northern Irishman would be hoping he can win another major on his favorite course.
Main Photo Credit: © Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
