sports
Rory McIlroy vows to defend Masters after completing career grand slam
After winning the 2025 Masters to complete a career grand slam, McIlroy says he is not finished and will target a title defence and more majors while pacing his playing schedule.
Apr 3rd 2026 · United Kingdom
Insights
- McIlroy won the 2025 Masters, his fifth major, and became the sixth man to complete a career grand slam.
- He says he remains motivated and aims to defend the Green Jacket, seeking to be the first to do so since Tiger Woods in 2002.
- At 36 he reports feeling physically better than at 25 and believes he still has a lot left to achieve.
- Caddie Harry Diamond played a pivotal role in McIlroy's mental recovery during the 2025 playoff.
- An injury has affected his early 2026 form, so he plans to manage his schedule and prioritise majors.
Sources
- ‘It’s magical’: How Jason Day gets Augusta National to himself before the Masters www.smh.com.au
- 5 memorable Masters moments – McIlroy magic, Woods’ chip-in, Nicklaus’ sixth win www.independent.co.uk
- ‘I still have a lot left’: Rory McIlroy on his Masters defence and staying motivated www.theguardian.com