A new chapter' McIlroy enters next career phase upbeat and unburdened

When you have spent so long labouring under a burden associated with the reaching of targets, it would seem ridiculous to set more. At Augusta National this month Rory McIlroy didn't just win the Masters.

- Ewan Murray

When you have spent so long labouring under a burden associated with the reaching of targets, it would seem ridiculous to set more. At Augusta National this month Rory McIlroy didn't just win the Masters. He didn't just complete his career grand slam. He didn't just end a wait for a fifth major that had stretched back to his halcyon summer of 2014. McIlroy did all of this at once; his emotion on the 18th green was partly because of the almighty weight that had been prised from his shoulders.

McIlroy's subsequent celebration was endearing, but also thought-provoking. He spent time with his parents, his wider family, his lifetime coach and childhood friends. There was no open-top bus parade through the streets of his native Holywood or wild party at the golf club bearing the same name. No public lap of honour. All that can wait.

Of course McIlroy wanted to dedicate his achievement to those who have been with him on every step of a thrilling journey. But there was also a subliminal message: he has more to do in 2025. Or as he put it last week: "This isn't the end of a career. It is just a new chapter."