COLUMN: Rory McIlroy will have to blank more golf icons

Rory McIlroy (Image: Getty)

What are we all going to talk about next year? That was Rory McIlroy’s cheeky opening line as he skipped into the Augusta press conference room wearing his shiny new green jacket.

McIlroy can’t be that naive to think all the pressure has been lifted. It’s only going to be amplified. The ghosts of Augusta past – the meltdowns, the collapses, the near-misses – are finally exorcised. No longer will sleepless nights be haunted by visions of Amen Corner disasters. But there are other problems on the horizon.

McIlroy didn’t like the way Tiger Woods and other golf legends spoke about him before the 2025 Masters. He felt the pressure “doesn’t help” as his peers were tipping him for the title.

Imagine what they’re going to be expecting from him next year. It’s not going to get any easier.

How many more Majors can he win? Can he chase down Nick Faldo’s British Major record? Will Woods be in his sights?

Rory McIlroy donned the green jacket for the first time (Image: Getty)

The cruel irony of reaching the mountaintop is that it leaves you with only one way to go – and that’s down. The conversation has already begun and next year, everyone will be talking about McIlroy again, just louder.

He gave Bryson DeChambaeu the cold shoulder to complete his career Grand Slam. Now he has to block out Woods and co’s expectations too.