Following his Masters victory, there have been concerns over whether Rory McIlroy will perform in the US Open Golf Championship and he shared that he had been struggling with motivation in the press conference before the Championship. Rory said: "I worked incredibly hard on my game from October last year all the way up until April this year," and also added that "It was nice to sort of see the fruits of my labour come to fruition and have everything happen.”
Rory went on to say that "You have to enjoy that. You have to enjoy what you've just accomplished.
"I certainly feel like I'm still doing that and I will continue to do that.
"[But] at some point, you have to realise that there's a little bit more golf left to play this season.
"Weeks like Quail Hollow or even weeks like last week, it makes it easier to reset in some way, to be like, okay, I sort of need to get my stuff together here and get back to the process."
In April 2025, Rory won his first Masters title by beating Justin Rose in a sudden-death play off final, which resulted in him completing a career Grand Slam. In 2011, he threw away a four-shot lead in the final round and referenced this after winning in April 2025 when he said: "I would say it was 14 years in the making."
Rory also said: "A lot of pent-up emotion came out on the 18th green. A moment like that makes all the years and all the close calls worth it,” and also added that "I want to say hello to mum and dad back in Northern Ireland. I can't wait to see them next week and can't wait to celebrate with them."
When it comes to the highest-paid golfers in 2025, one would assume Rory McIlroy is featured near the top. Forbes recently put together their list for The World’s Highest-Paid Golfers in 2025, take a look to see where Rory McIlroy figures.
9. Bryson DeChambeau of the United States lines up a putt on the third green during the first round of the 125th U.S. Open
Bryson DeChambeau comes in at number 8 with $45 million, On-Course: $42 million | Off-Course: $3 million | Getty Images
10. Hideki Matsuyama of Japan plays a shot from the 16th tee during the first round of the 125th U.S. Open
Hideki Matsuyama is worth $42 million and is in at number 9, On-Course: $17 million | Off-Course: $25 million | Getty Images
11. Phil Mickelson of the United States plays a shot from the third tee during a practice round prior to the 125th U.S Open
At number 10 is Phil Mickelson who earns $40 million, On-Course: $38 million | Off-Course: $2 million | Getty Images