What comes next for Rory McIlroy after long-awaited Masters win? - ESPN

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — It has been just over a month since Rory McIlroy's knees buckled under the weight of a childhood dream finally achieved.

McIlroy's victory at the Masters and the completion of the career Grand Slam have produced an afterglow that has not yet faded from the consciousness of the sport. Just listen to what the best players in the world have said this week about his accomplishment.

Justin Thomas said watching McIlroy was a good reminder of how much the feat is something he wants for himself, prompting some combination of drive and jealousy. Scottie Scheffler marveled at the work McIlroy has put in throughout his career to win all four majors. Jordan Spieth, who is a PGA Championship away from his own career Grand Slam, called it inspiring.

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«You could tell it was a harder win — most of the time he makes it look a lot easier,» Spieth said. «So that obviously was on the forefront of his mind. Something like that has not been done by many people, and there's a reason why.»

«I think it's been a very difficult hurdle to overcome, and you could see his emotion towards the end,» Jon Rahm said. «He's had so many chances. It's just, it's never easy. It's very difficult. I would not be one bit surprised if this lifted a weight off his shoulders that could get him going on another run.»

Adding fuel to the fire is the fact that McIlroy's first major since conquering the career Grand Slam happens to be taking place at Quail Hollow Country Club, a venue that he has turned into his personal trophy vending machine over the years (he has won there four times) and one that makes him the clear tournament favorite going into this week.

And yet as quickly as all of us,