Rory McIlroy’s win at the Masters on Sunday lifted an immense amount of pressure on him, and he could not help but taunt the media about it afterward.
McIlroy survived a playoff to win his first career Masters at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga. on Sunday. The win completed McIlroy’s career Grand Slam on his 11th try, tying a record for the longest gap between major wins.
That was clearly on McIlroy’s mind as he faced the media after the green jacket presentation. McIlroy opened his press conference by gently trolling the media and asking them the first question instead.
“I’d like to start with a question myself. What are we all going to talk about next year?” McIlroy said.
Rory McIlroy gets asked a question, then says "I'd like to start with a question myself, 'What are we all going to talk about next year?'"
— Paul Hodowanic (@PaulHodowanic) April 14, 2025
McIlroy’s inability to capture a green jacket had become an ongoing narrative that followed him every year. The lack of a Masters win was a glaring omission from his resume. Even beyond the career Grand Slam, it was simply strange that one of the generation’s best golfers could not get over the hump in such a prestigious major.
Fortunately, McIlroy will no longer have to wear that pressure. The moment meant a lot to him, and it was easy to see just how relieved he was to have that burden lifted from his shoulders.
