McIlroy nearly quit golf after Mullingar Scratch Cup win
Rory McIlroy revealed in 2014 that he nearly gave up golf after winning the Mullingar Scratch Cup in 2006.
The four-time Major winner said that he almost turned his back on the game after his win in Mullingar.
"I was ready to give it up when I was 17 and I remember the drive home with my dad after I'd won the Mullingar Scratch Cup," he said.
"It was about a three-hour drive back home and I remember saying to dad that I've just won but I don't feel happy or excited.
"I got back home and didn't play golf for about three days and didn't practise. I must have been an impulsive teenager going through some hormonal issues.
"But that was the only time. Apart from that, I love the game of golf."
Fast forward to Sunday April 13, 2025 and McIlroy became the sixth player with the career Grand Slam, joining Woods, Nicklaus, Gary Player, Ben Hogan and Gene Sarazen. Only four of them actually “won” the career slam because the modern version of it wasn't even a thing until Arnold Palmer declared it one in 1960.
McIlroy defeated Justin Rose in a play-off at Augusta National on Sunday to become the sixth man - and first European - to win each of golf's four majors at least once. McIlroy completed the Grand Slam at the 11th attempt and 11 years after his previous major title - the 2014 PGA Championship at Valhalla.
The current World No 2 has conquered the sport, winning the FedExCup, The Players, all four majors. Perhaps the only other thing remaining for him would be the Olympics, but at the age of 35, one would think there are still many more majors in his radar.
World No 1 Scottie Scheffler presented McIlroy with the famous Green Jacket following Sunday’s Masters victory.
"He has accomplished everything in the game of golf and that was really the last thing to accomplish. It was cool to see him get the job done, really cool to be there in that moment and to congratulate him and just see the joy on him and his family,” he said. ]
Following his victory McIlroy spoke of the huge challenges he faced over the years in order to win the biggest prize in golf.
"It's my 17th time here and I started to wonder if it would ever be my time,” he remarked.
"I'm just absolutely honoured and thrilled and just so proud to be able to call myself a Masters champion."
"You have to be the eternal optimist in this game.
"I have been saying it until I am blue in the face but I truly believe I am a better player now than 10 years ago.
"It is so hard to stay patient, keep coming back and not being able to get it done.
"There were points on the back nine where I thought, 'have I let this slip again?' but I responded and am really proud of myself.
"It has been an emotional week so I am thrilled to be last man standing."