Fresh from his Masters triumph, Rory McIlroy, along with his family, jetted off to London to get a glimpse of their sprawling new mansion currently under construction on the prestigious Wentworth estate. Nestled in Virginia Water, this locale is notorious for its affluent residents, and the McIlroy clan are customising their very own luxury abode.
Post-victory celebrations at Augusta National saw McIlroy, his wife Erica, and daughter Poppy take to the skies en route to London, followed by a heartwarming journey to Belfast where they rejoiced with close companions over McIlroy’s long-awaited success in scooping up the one Major that had consistently slipped through his fingers.
Defeating Justin Rose in a gripping play-off, McIlroy clinched the win at the 18th hole, having led the charge into Sunday’s climax. This success put an end to an 11-year Major drought and carved his name into golfing history alongside the exclusive cadre of legends who have captured all four grand slam titles.
McIlroy shared his thoughts: “It’s been an amazing few days after and to be able to reflect on it and everything that happened and the magnitude of everything. The big thing for me is how the whole journey is how it resonated with people. It’s not every day you get to fulfil one of your lifelong goals and dreams.”
He continued, detailing the intimate moments post-win: “We first went to London with Erica and Poppy to see our new home that we’re building and we made the trip over to Belfast to see a few other people that are important to us. Just to be with them, to be with Erica and Poppy and my mum and dad.”
The golf world is still buzzing after Rory McIlroy’s sensational Masters win, and the champion himself can’t hide his elation. “To see Michael Bannon my lifelong coach and spend a bit more time with Harry (Diamond) and his wife. Celebrate with the people that have been part of this whole thing for my entire career was absolutely amazing. As you can hear, I picked up a bit of a cold on the way, so I’m feeling a little bit under the weather. Obviously, it’s been an amazing few days.”
Talk is already turning to the possibility of McIlroy capturing his sixth major at the upcoming US PGA Championship next month. But before then, the 35 year old is set on clinching a second Zurich Classic title in a row with Shane Lowry following their 2024 triumph.
“I honestly could not be in a better place in my life, professionally, personally, all of it,” he reflected.
As the newly-minted Masters champion, McIlroy also has his sights set on the Open Championship, which he won back in 2014 and will return to Royal Portrush this summer – the venue where he missed the cut in 2019 while Lowry walked away victorious.
Many are speculating that now McIlroy has shed the burden of winning the Green Jacket, he could embark on a winning streak, especially after also securing the Players Championship back in March.
“I think he’s probably got some unfinished business here. We’re looking forward to a brilliant event.” said RandA chief executive Mark Darbon.
He continued with heightened enthusiasm: “We were excited enough as it was, having the Open Championship back here, but I think that [McIlroy’s Masters win] is the icing on the cake and sets us up for a fantastic summer of golf”.
