Rory McIlroy’s well-wishers included two US presidents after Masters success

Rory McIlroy is humbled that his tale of perseverance in completing the career grand slam has touched people from “all walks of life” – including two US presidents.

McIlroy fulfilled his lifelong ambition of winning all four majors when he was crowned Masters champion by beating Justin Rose in a dramatic play-off earlier this month.

The world number two from Northern Ireland ended his 11-year wait for an achievement that has been managed by only five other players, resulting in an outpouring of appreciation.

“It’s been an amazing few days, reflecting on everything that happened and the magnitude of it,” McIlroy said at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans.

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“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.

“It’s very much been from beyond golf. 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. All of it.

“People who you would never even think would watch golf or would know what’s going on. That was very, very humbling.

“I think people can see themselves in the struggle at times and in everything that you try to put into getting the best out of yourself in that journey.

“I think people watching someone finally get it done, something they’ve been trying to do for a decade-plus, I think that resonated with a lot of people.”

McIlroy’s first outing since winning the Masters is his defence of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans title alongside Shane Lowry, which begins on Thursday.

The 35-year-old is over the worst of a bug that has limited his ability to practise, but is now ready