Rory McIlroy admits he couldn’t be in a better place professionally and personally in his life as he makes his first appearance since winning the career grand slam.
McIlroy is a little under the weather after a few days of celebrations back home in Holywood so Lowry may have to do most of the heavy lifting when they team up at the Zurich Classic today in TPC Louisiana but he is still basking in his glory.
“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,” he said.
“I think the big thing for me is just how the whole journey resonated with people and the people that have reached out to me. That’s been absolutely amazing.
“I spoke to two Presidents the day after, which was pretty cool. Just people reaching out from all walks of life, whether it be sports, entertainment, culture. Just all of it.
“Look, it’s not every day you get to fulfil one of your lifelong goals and dreams, and I’ve just really tried to enjoy everything that comes along with that.
“I first went to London with Erica and Poppy to see our new home that we’re building there last week, and then we made the trip over to Belfast to see my mom and dad and a few other people that are important to me over there.
“Yeah, just to be with them, to be with Erica and Poppy and my mom and dad and to see Michael Bannon, my lifelong coach, and spend a bit more time with Harry and his wife and just celebrate with the people that have been a part of this whole thing for my entire career, my entire life was absolutely amazing.”
McIlroy and Lowry are defending the title they won at this tournament twelve months ago and upon reflection, it proved to be a turning point for both players as the win injected some much needed confidence into their seasons and McIlroy feels it drove him on the road to victory at Augusta National.
Once I got back from Ireland on Sunday, then when I woke up Monday morning, I could barely get out of bed; I was feeling that bad,” McIlroy said.
“I think just to be here and feeling better is an achievement. But I need to put a little bit of practice and a bit of work in today to make sure that I don’t let this man (Lowry) down this week.
“I’m excited and I’m happy to be here with my man and we’re looking forward to a great week and trying to defend.
“If you had asked me a year ago if I’d be sitting here in this position with everything that’s happened…
“I honestly could not be in a better place in my life…professionally, personally – all of it. It’s amazing what a year can do.
“This tournament last year was a really cool moment for both of us. It injected a little bit of joy back into golf for me in some way. It’s really, really important not to lose that.”
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