McIlroy Eyes Historic Double After Rewriting Masters History

It was nearly 11pm when Rory McIlroy finally stepped out of Augusta National's Grill Room, Green Jacket still warm on his shoulders. Four hours of presentations, interviews and obligatory glad-handing with club members had not dimmed his grin one bit.

The Northern Irishman had become only the fourth man to retain the Masters title, cementing his place in golf's most exclusive history. Twelve months earlier it was world number one Scottie Scheffler who had helped him into the jacket — but with no beaten champion on hand this time, Augusta chairman Fred Ridley took over the honours.

"We had to practise it before we went into Butler Cabin because he'd never done it before," McIlroy told BBC Sport. "I said last year I'd hopefully be putting the jacket back on myself. I wasn't quite correct, but the next best thing is having the chairman do it."

The victory was not without pressure. Cameron Young pushed him hard, Justin Rose threatened on the back nine, and Scheffler himself was never fully out of contention. But McIlroy revealed he felt a calmness in the heat of battle that had eluded him in previous years.

"I definitely felt more comfortable in the battle this year on the back nine than last year," he said. "It is a want more than a need. I want to win the biggest tournaments in the world. I want to win majors."

Having tied Nick Faldo on six major titles, McIlroy is now targeting more. After last year's emotional breakthrough — finally completing the career Grand Slam at the 11th attempt — he admits there was a noticeable dip in form at the subsequent majors. He does not expect a repeat this time.

"I really don't think I'm going to have the lull or whatever it was I had last year," he said. "I've been through it. I know what's next — you just keep trying to have more success and keep winning the biggest tournaments."

McIlroy will take a fortnight off before turning his attention to the US PGA Championship at Aronimink, near Philadelphia. The way he is playing, he may not be finished making history just yet.

"It's such an amazing start to the major season and I can't wait for what lies ahead," he said.