Mcilroy Makes Major Warning After Masters Triumph

Over nan past 4 days erstwhile McIlroy built a six-stroke advantage astatine halfway without playing astatine his very best, he showed a state that had eluded him for overmuch of his pursuit to complete a afloat group of majors.

"I was gladsome past twelvemonth that nan full Grand Slam point was done because that was what I was chasing," he said.

"And now going guardant it's just, you know, everything is icing connected nan barroom aliases a cherry connected top, each gravy, immoderate you want to telephone it.

"But I consciousness for illustration I tin conscionable spell and play my crippled and person a chance to triumph a batch much majors."

Having watched his absorbing conflict pinch Cameron Young, nan plucky and unlucky seasoned Justin Rose and world number 1 Scheffler - who each threatened McIlroy's title defence - it seemed arsenic though he was relishing nan contest.

It was little stressful than erstwhile years, much a sporting title to beryllium enjoyed. "I decidedly felt much comfortable successful nan conflict this twelvemonth connected nan backmost 9 than past year," McIlroy said.

"It is simply a want much than a need. I want to triumph nan biggest tournaments successful nan world. I want to triumph Ryder Cups. I want to triumph majors.

"At this constituent successful my career, that is what drives maine forward. I deliberation it would person really stung if I hadn't gone connected to triumph this tourney aft building specified a commanding lead complete nan first 2 days.

"It would person stung, but astatine nan aforesaid clip I would person dusted myself disconnected and I would person travel backmost for nan PGA astatine Aronimink, US Open astatine Shinnecock aliases [Open Championship] astatine Birkdale aliases whatever.

"But it's specified an astonishing commencement to nan awesome play and I can't hold for what lies ahead."