It wasn’t to be for Rory McIlroy as he couldn’t get up with the leaders at The Truist Championship but the Masters champion is now fully focused on the PGA Championship this coming week.
McIlroy played well at Philadelphia Cricket Club and still finished at 10 under par for a tie for seventh.
It was a positive for McIlroy, who despite not showing his best stuff this week, still managed a solid result.
Now, though, the focus for McIlroy is on Quail Hollow and the second major of the year. And after winning The Masters, McIlroy is very much one of the favourites to win.
Indeed, with the win at Augusta a massive weight off his shoulders, McIlroy can play with less pressure.
And speaking to the media after the Truist Championship, McIlroy has suggested he’s already seen a change in himself after that grand slam win.
Rory McIlroy shares what’s changed for him since winning The Masters
Rory McIlroy was quickly onto media duties after his final round and appeared in a positive frame of mind despite not winning in Philly.
The Northern Irishman was then quizzed on the upcoming PGA and how he feels after winning The Masters.
And according to McIlroy, he definitely feels under less pressure after getting the Augusta monkey off his back.
“It does feel lighter. I am going there after winning my first major in a decade. What that means for my career and where that puts me in the argument of some of the best players ever, to be among that list is very, very cool,” McIlroy admitted.
“I am not going there saying that I don’t care. But I am going there with everything being just a touch more relaxed.
“I feel like I was defending this week but it didn’t feel like it. And I feel like I am going back to Quail Hollow sort of defending after last year. But I’m excited to get there. I feel like my game is in good shape and I am looking forward to having another shot at a major.”
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Rory McIlroy will take some stopping at the PGA Championship
There are so many good golfers at the moment and a number of them in form as well.
However, you simply cannot look past Rory McIlroy at Quail Hollow. His record there is impeccable and having won there in 2024 as well, he’ll be confident.
Sure, a major tournament brings its own pressures and that could play into the event as well.
But McIlroy admitting he is effectively playing with more freedom is a big worry for the rest of the field and if he plays anywhere near his best next week, he’s going to be in the mix to win.
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