Rory McIlroy makes retirement decision as defending champion turns up to Masters | Golf | Sport

Rory McIlroy has suggested that he could play on for another decade as he prepares to defend his Masters title. The experienced Northern Irishman completed the career Grand Slam at Augusta National last year, winning a tense play-off against Justin Rose. It saw McIlroy become one of just six players to have won all four modern major championships.

Fast forward 12 months and he is back at Augusta with his eyes on the biggest prize in golf once more. Next month, he will celebrate his 37th birthday, which would make him a veteran in most professional sports. Golf is different, though, and McIlroy has no intention of stepping back from the course any time soon.

Speaking after hosting the Champions Dinner on Tuesday night, he told the Daily Mail: “I think the story as it relates to me is what do I do from now onwards? What gets me going? What do I still want to achieve in the game?

“I think that’s the story now. There’s still a lot that I want to do. You think every time you achieve something that you’ll be happy, but then the goalposts move, and they just keep nudging a little further out of reach.

“I think what I’ve realised is, if you can just really find enjoyment in the journey, that’s the big thing because honestly I felt like the career Grand Slam was my destination, and I got there, and then I realised it wasn’t the destination.”

McIlroy went on to suggest that he could return to Augusta for the next 10 years in search of another title, given his desire to taste further success at golf’s most prestigious tournament.

“I feel like I’m still young, but I’m very experienced,” he added. “I’ve been doing this for a long time. I feel like I’ve got another 10 good shots at this.

“Not that I don’t at the other majors, but I just think that everything here is a little more predictable. You know the golf course and the more experience you have here, the better. That’s why I think here.”

He is taking time away from the sport to prioritise his wellbeing and has been given permission to leave the United States in search of specialist treatment.

Asked what McIlroy said about his absence, former Masters champion Tommy Aaron revealed to Golfweek: “Rory kept it brief. He said that we miss Tiger and that he has to do whatever he has to do to take care of himself.”

Charles Coody, the 1971 winner, added: “Rory said all the right things. He didn’t get emotional, but he gave a great welcome speech about how much he appreciates being here.”