Rory McIlroy has been told he would have every right to retire from professional golf tomorrow after completing the career grand slam with victory at the Masters
Joshua Lees Senior Golf Writer
15:18 ET, 30 May 2025
Rory McIlroy’s putting coach Brad Faxon says the Northern Irish golf star has all the right to retire after completing the career grand slam(Image: undefined via Getty Images)
Brad Faxon, the putting coach for Rory McIlroy, has suggested that the Northern Irish golf star would be completely justified in hanging up his clubs after achieving the career grand slam in April.
McIlroy’s long-awaited fifth major championship victory came at the Masters, where he edged out Justin Rose in a playoff to claim the coveted Green Jacket at Augusta National. At 36 years old, this triumph places McIlroy among golfing legends like Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus as winners of all four major titles.
With every major trophy now in his collection, McIlroy seemingly has conquered the pinnacle of golf achievements. Should he decide to retire from the sport suddenly, Faxon feels no one could criticize his choice. “Nobody would fault him if he said, ‘I’m good, I don’t have to do this anymore,'” Faxon remarked on ‘The Smylie Show,’ reflecting on McIlroy’s monumental win.
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Since teaming up with the European Ryder Cup standout in 2018, Faxon has been instrumental in honing McIlroy’s prowess, elevating him to one of the globe’s top golfers. He was present at Augusta National during McIlroy’s defining moment, providing commentary for NBC’s broadcast of the year’s first major.
Despite his role in the media demanding impartiality, Faxon couldn’t help but root for McIlroy throughout the tournament. “I feel like most of the world wanted Rory to win this,” Faxon admitted. “It is funny because we are supposed to be not biased or prejudiced when we talk.
“I am in that awkward and interesting position of having been part of Rory’s team for so long now. To reach that goal, and to do it at the Masters. I always thought Rory would definitely win more majors before he won the Masters. I didn’t know he would win the Masters before he won another one of those majors.”
Expectations were high for the Northern Irish golfer to deliver consecutive wins at this month’s PGA Championship, but instead, his performance fell short as Scottie Scheffler took home his third major title. The week wasn’t exactly low-key for McIlroy either.
McIlroy won the Masters in April, completing the career grand slam(Image: Getty Images)
Sirius XM broke the news after McIlroy completed his opening round on Thursday: the five-time major winner had flunked a routine USGA driver check, compelling him to change out his driver just before the championship kicked off.
McIlroy remained tight-lipped about the infraction, deciding to dodge press responsibilities post-round throughout the event in Charlotte. But McIlroy wasn’t alone in the driver compliance drama at Quail Hollow; Scheffler himself confessed to making a driver switch after clinching his victory.
Amidst continued silence, the European sensation has decided to forego the Memorial Tournament held at Muirfield Village by legend Jack Nicklaus.
Instead, McIlroy will make his comeback this week at the RBC Canadian Open in Toronto.
