The Northern Irish golfer completed the career Grand Slam with his thrilling victory at Augusta recently and has been amazed at how his achievement has resonated across the world.

McIlroy - who revealed that he spoke to US presidents Donald Trump and Barack Obama after winning the Green Jacket - said: "It’s been an amazing few days, to be able to reflect on everything that happened and the magnitude of everything.

"I think the big thing for me is just how the whole journey sort of resonated with people and the people that 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."

McIlroy returns to action at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, which begins on Thursday (24.04.25), and is looking forward to the defence of the title with his friend Shane Lowry at the pairs event.

The five-time major champion said: "I’m eager to get back out there. I think this is the perfect atmosphere to do it in.

"I think that’s a part of the reason that I wanted to honour the commitment to be here is because it’s a fun event to be out there with Shane. I also know that it’s not all on me; he has to do some of the work, too. Maybe a lot of it the next two days."