Rory McIlroy is eager to get back to golf despite recently returning to Northern Ireland following his sensational victory at the Masters, with the British sporting icon seemingly determined to keep winning as he refuses to rest on his laurels.
The 35-year-old achieved the career Grand Slam with his win at Augusta, which came after a tense play-off with Justin Rose.
McIlroy had previously failed to win the Masters on 16 separate occasions, while it had also been 11 years since his last major.
Now, however, the Northern Irishman is very much on top of the world after his sensational win put him among the golfing greats of years gone by.
Rory McIlroy is eager to get back to golf despite recently returning to Northern Ireland without wife Erica Stoll following his sensational victory at the Masters
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McIlroy recently returned home to spend time with his parents, who weren't present in America as he reigned supreme.
The golfer was joined by four-year-old daughter, Poppy, with wife Erica Stoll surprisingly absent.
McIlroy is, however, focused on getting back to the sport he loves as quickly as possible - having told Shane Lowry he was eager to play the Zurich Classic of New Orleans title in Louisiana.
The team event is due to take place on Thursday.
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Lowry, speaking to Golfweek, said: "We'll be there.
"I talked to him [Wednesday] morning. We're good to go.
"To be honest, I didn't want him to feel like he had to play because of me.
"He's not letting me down if he wanted to take some time. He feels like he wants to get back out there."
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Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry won the Zurich Classic of New Orleans in 2024
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McIlroy and Lowry won the event in 2024 and will be eager to secure more glory this spring.
It speaks volumes about the Masters winner's state of mind, with the golfer keen to keep chasing silverware despite already pocketing millions in prize money.
The decision also shows how much he appreciates his friendship with Lowry, having refused to pull out despite his pal offering him the chance to do so.
In addition to playing at the Zurich Classic, McIlroy is set to play in the Truist Championship in Philadelphia - with that tournament due to take place between May 8 and May 11.
Meanwhile, speaking after his win, the Briton joked about finally ending his wait for a win at Augusta - quipping to journalists that they'll have to come up with something new to talk about next year.
"What are we all going to talk about next year?" he mused.
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"Look, it’s a dream come true. I have dreamt about that moment for as long as I can remember.
"I mentioned it out in the prize ceremony, but watching Tiger [Woods] here in 1997 do what he did, and then winning his first green jacket, I think that inspired so many of my generation to want to emulate what he did.
"You know, there were points in my career where I didn’t know if I would have this nice garment over my shoulders, but I didn’t make it easy today. I certainly didn’t make it easy.
"I was nervous. It was one of the toughest days I’ve ever had on the golf course."
Rory McIlroy shared an emotional embrace with wife Erica Stoll after finally winning the Masters for the first timeREUTERSWhen asked where the day ranks, he continued: "It’s up there. I’m not going to compare it to life moments like a marriage or having a child.
"But it’s the best day of my golfing life. And yeah, I’m very proud of myself. I’m proud of never giving up. I’m proud of how I kept coming back and dusting myself off and not letting the disappointments really get to me. Talking about that eternal optimist again. Yeah, very proud."
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