Rory McIlroy took a playful jab at host Jimmy Fallon during his appearance on ‘The Tonight Show’ as the two engaged in a pitching challenge reminiscent of the Masters champion’s childhood, using washing machines as targets.

McIlroy donned his green jacket for the show having opted out of the CJ Cup Byron Nelson in Texas. His victory at Augusta made him the sixth person to complete a grand slam, for which he received a classy message from Tiger Woods. Fallon brought back memories of a 1999 clip from the ‘Gerry Kelly Show’ where a young McIlroy was seen chipping balls into a washing machine.

The late show host decided to recreate this moment, challenging the PGA Tour star to a contest. The first to successfully make three chips would be declared the winner.

When asked if he was ready, McIlroy confidently responded: “I mean, yes. As the Masters champion I should not lose to you. That would be the worst.” As expected, Fallon lost 3-1, with McIlroy making three out of four attempts. After missing his second attempt, McIlroy humorously remarked to the audience: “I was better when I was eight!”

“The big thing for me is just how the whole journey resonated with people and those who have reached out to me. That’s been absolutely amazing. It’s not every day you get to fulfil one of your lifelong goals and dreams. I’ve just really tried to enjoy everything that comes along with that.

“I spoke to two presidents the day after, which was pretty cool. Just people reaching out from all walks of life, whether it be sports, entertainment, culture. Just all of it. People you would never even think would watch golf or would know what’s going on; that was very, very humbling.

“I think people can see themselves in the struggle at times, and everything that you sort of try to put into getting the best out of yourself in that journey. Watching someone finally get it done, something they’ve been trying to do for a decade plus, I think it resonated.”

The Northern Irish golfer has also made history by becoming the first European to achieve a golfing Grand Slam, having previously clinched victories at the U.S. Open, the PGA Championship, and the Open Championship. While a win at the Masters would already mark a successful season for McIlroy, he has also triumphed in two other tournaments this year.

McIlroy started off the year with a bang, winning the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am in early February, followed by another victory at the Players Championship at Sawgrass in March. He’s been a strong contender in most competitions this year, finishing tied-fifth at the Texas Children’s Houston Open before the Masters, and making the cut in both the Genesis Invitational and Arnold Palmer Invitational.

His only stumble came during the inaugural TGL season when his Boston Common  Golf Club failed to make it to the playoffs. However, as a co-founder of the new tech-driven golf league alongside Tiger Woods, he still tasted success as the format surpassed expectations.

So far, McIlroy has pocketed a whopping $13,257,558 in prize money this year and could be hot on the heels of Scottie Scheffler, who currently holds the World No. 1 spot.

Regardless of what transpires between now and the end of 2025, this will undoubtedly be a memorable year for McIlroy.