Rory McIlroy Seeks Routine After Masters Win

Rory McIlroy returns to competition at the Truist Championship, seeking to build on his recent Masters win and prepare for the PGA Championship, where he'll pursue his sixth major title.

Rory McIlroy is embracing the future with optimism after his Masters win. The Northern Irish golfer's whirlwind few weeks included celebrating his long-awaited Masters victory, which completed his career Grand Slam.

Following his win, McIlroy took a well-deserved break to visit his parents before joining the PGA Tour again for the Zurich Classic of New Orleans team event. Partnering with Shane Lowry, the duo aimed to defend their title.

The Truist Championship at the Philadelphia Cricket Club marks Rory McIlroy's first standard tour event since his Masters win. It will serve as a warm-up for the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club.

With his career Grand Slam complete, McIlroy can now pursue major wins without added pressure. Having won the PGA Championship twice before, he'll look to claim his sixth major title, but for the first time in a decade, he can compete without the weight of needing a major win.

After the Zurich Classic, McIlroy headed to New York for various commitments, describing them as “bits and pieces.” These obligations come with being a high-profile golfer.

McIlroy welcomed the return to golfing routine, saying, “I'm excited to get back to being a golfer. It's nice to get back into the routine again and get back to what I know how to do.”

“I'm obviously going to feel more comfortable and a lot less pressure, and I'm also going back to a venue that I love,” McIlroy, 36, said. “It's nothing but positive vibes going in there next week with what happened a few weeks ago and then with my history there and how well I've played at Quail.”

“Philadelphia is one of the best places in the US for golf. There’s so many great golf courses around this area. I’ve heard a lot about this golf course, and to play it over the last few days, it has been cool.”

-Rory McIlroy on playing at the Philadelphia Cricket Club pic.twitter.com/1oQmeOzvKw

— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) May 7, 2025

“Yeah, it probably will feel a little bit different. I probably won't be quite as on edge as I have been for the last few years when I've been at major championships. I'll probably be a little bit better to be around for my family, and I'll be a little more relaxed. I think overall it will be a good thing.”

This week's Truist Championship presents a change of scenery for Rory McIlroy. Typically, he'd be competing at Quail Hollow, where he's won four times, but this year the course is hosting the PGA Championship instead. McIlroy will play at the Philadelphia Cricket Club's Wissahickon Course, where he'll “defend” his title from last year.

Rory McIlroy's Masters win will be a lasting topic of discussion throughout his career. The dramatic victory, which came after a playoff against Justin Rose, marked the end of his major drought.

McIlroy reflected on the win, saying, “Look, I'm just glad that it's done. I don't want to ever have to go back to that Sunday afternoon again. I'm glad that I finished the way I did, and we can all move on with our lives.” Despite previous struggles, McIlroy held onto the belief that he would eventually win the Masters.