Rory McIlroy Sets Sights on Further Success After Career Grand Slam

Rory McIlroy is looking to build on his career Grand Slam success as he prepares to defend his title at The Masters. McIlroy ended an 11-year wait for his fifth major title with a dramatic victory at Augusta National last year. He became the sixth player in history to complete the career Grand Slam and is now aiming to become the fourth player to win back-to-back editions of The Masters. McIlroy has described his Grand Slam win as 'my Everest' but remains motivated to achieve more in golf. He said, 'I think what I've realised is, if you can just really find enjoyment in the journey, that's the big thing. I felt like the career Grand Slam was my destination, and I got there, and then I realised it wasn't the destination.' McIlroy feels more relaxed heading into this year's tournament, having 'tried to embrace and enjoy every part of life' as a Masters champion. He added, 'I think for the past 17 years I just could not wait for the tournament to start, and this year I wouldn't care if the tournament never started!' McIlroy equalled the largest first-round deficit to win The Masters last year and believes his patience was rewarded. He explained, 'I didn't overreact on Thursday when I made those two double bogeys... I think not overreacting and not pressing too hard, I stayed patient - or as patient as I could be - and I feel like that patience was rewarded.' McIlroy thinks The Masters presents a good opportunity for him to add to his major tally, saying, 'I feel like I've got another, hopefully, 10 good shots of winning this... I just think that everything here is a little more predictable.'