Rory McIlroy seeks fresh motivation at Masters after Grand Slam

Rory McIlroy, the defending Masters champion, says completing the career Grand Slam has lifted a "weight off his shoulders" and left him looking for new goals as he returns to Augusta.

Rory McIlroy returns to Augusta National as the defending Masters champion. He completed the career Grand Slam with his Masters victory in April 2025, ending an 11-year major championship drought. That achievement felt like a release from long-running questions about his career. Now McIlroy says he is focused on what will motivate him next and on finding enjoyment in the journey. Key facts: - McIlroy won the Masters in April 2025 and completed the career Grand Slam, which ended an 11-year major drought. - He said achieving the Grand Slam removed a long-standing pressure and felt like a "weight off my shoulders." - McIlroy described his current questions as being about future motivation and what he still wants to achieve in golf. - He noted that defending the Masters is difficult and pointed to the strength and depth of the field as a major challenge, saying "probably the 90 other players that are in the field." - McIlroy hosted the Champions Dinner and said he chose a menu so he could enjoy the evening rather than make the meal especially Irish. Summary: McIlroy says last year's win has shifted his outlook from proving himself to identifying new motivations and enjoying the process. The immediate next step is his title defense at the Masters, where he will face a deep and experienced field and attempt to become the first player since Tiger Woods to win back-to-back at Augusta.