Rory McIlroy is making his first appearance as a champion of The Masters this week, as he takes on the Zurich Classic of New Orleans.
McIlroy partners with Shane Lowry once more at the Zurich Classic, with the duo having won the PGA Tour event last year.
Lowry was delighted to see McIlroy win The Masters, which helped the Northern Irishman complete the career grand slam.
It also ended a lengthy drought without a major championship win for McIlroy, who now has five such victories to his name.
Xander Schauffele thinks McIlroy could be ‘scary’ in the near future, having seemingly been held back by his doubters over the years.
Golf fans predict big success for ‘freed up’ Rory McIlroy after his win at The Masters
And that is a view that a lot of golf fans have now been sharing after seeing a light-hearted and upbeat McIlroy talk to the press ahead of the Zurich Classic.
One fan wrote on X: “This is what the tour needs, when players don’t take themselves so seriously and can laugh about it. The weight off of his shoulders (probably a lot of his own doing) is a good thing.”
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A second said: “I think Rory might be freed up…” as a third wrote: “I’ve missed this Rory,” while a fourth predicted: “He’s winning The Open for sure.”
Other upbeat fans said: “This summer is gonna be so fun” and “He’s like a new man. The field doesn’t need this guy playing loose and with a clear head.”
Further excitement arose from another golf fan, who said: “Be interesting to see Rory relaxed and having fun with his pal this week. I would be scared for others if they get on leaderboard.”
Rory McIlroy silences any critics with famous win at The Masters
Given that McIlroy won twice on the PGA Tour heading into The Masters, his success at Augusta may not be the entire reason why the player looks so relaxed.
But the triumph at Augusta National has very likely played a huge, huge role in helping relieve pressure on his shoulders.
McIlroy was constantly being tortured about winning an elusive fifth major, which undoubtedly had a negative impact on his physical and mental game.
But a massive weight has been lifted, and he is certainly in high spirits already this week because of that, although playing alongside Lowry will also be a reason behind his smile.
It really was an impressive victory at The Masters, where he battled himself and others en route to the green jacket.
And while talk of the ‘Rory Slam’ is premature and unnecessary, McIlroy is targeting a multi-major win season in 2025.
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