Rory McIlroy enters the U.S. PGA Championship at Quail Hollow with confidence after securing his fifth major.

 Rory McIlroy is heading into next week’s US PGA Championship with a sense of calm and confidence, following his long-awaited triumph at the Masters last month. The victory at Augusta National marked McIlroy’s first major win since the 2014 US PGA Championship, and it completed his career Grand Slam, making him just the sixth man in golf history to achieve the feat.

As the world number two prepares to return to major action at Quail Hollow, where he has won four times previously, McIlroy’s outlook is optimistic. “I’m obviously going to feel more comfortable and a lot less pressure at the US PGA,” McIlroy remarked ahead of his appearance at the Truist Championship in Philadelphia. “I’m also going back to a venue that I love, so there’s nothing but positive vibes going in there.”

The win at Augusta not only secured McIlroy’s place in history but also gave him a new sense of ease as he heads to the next major. “It probably will feel a little bit different,” McIlroy continued. “I probably won’t be quite as on edge as I’ve been in recent years during major championships. I’ll be a bit better to be around for my family, and I’ll be a little more relaxed. Overall, it’ll be a good thing.”

McIlroy’s relaxed mindset stems from the pressure of completing the Grand Slam now behind him. Having sought the elusive Masters win for years, the weight of expectation has now lifted, and McIlroy appears ready to embrace the next challenge.

After turning 36, McIlroy took time to recharge, skipping the RBC Heritage tournament to visit family in Northern Ireland. He returned to competition in the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, partnering with Shane Lowry to defend their title, finishing tied for 12th. McIlroy also took time for media appearances, including spots on The Tonight Show and The Today Show, before returning to his rigorous practice schedule ahead of the PGA.

“I wanted to go home and see my folks after the Masters, but having to play in New Orleans, it’s a different week and a fun week, so I didn’t feel like I had to prepare all that much. I could lean on Shane when I needed to,” McIlroy reflected. “But last week, I had my coach, Michael Bannon, in town for three days, then I spent time in New York doing a few things. When I got back home and into my real routine, it feels like that period is behind me, and now I’m looking forward to the next few months.”

The US PGA Championship will be an especially exciting event for Jordan Spieth, who will be aiming to complete his own Grand Slam next week. Spieth, who won the Masters and US Open in 2015 and the Open Championship in 2017, will attempt to secure his career Slam. McIlroy reflected on the difference in pressure between himself and Spieth, noting the challenge of trying to complete the Slam at different venues. “It’s a bit of a different proposition for him,” McIlroy explained. “I’ve been back to Augusta every year, but for Jordan, each US PGA has a different venue, which presents a new set of challenges.”

Reflecting on his own experience at Augusta, McIlroy acknowledged the weight of history that accompanies such a monumental victory. “The worst I felt on Sunday at Augusta was when I made birdie on 10 to go four ahead, because I was like, ‘I really can’t mess this up now.’ You’re not just trying to win another tournament; you’re trying to become part of history, and that has a certain weight to it.”

As McIlroy prepares for his US PGA return at Quail Hollow, he’ll play alongside Justin Thomas and Tommy Fleetwood in the opening round on Thursday. With his confidence soaring and his career Grand Slam in hand, McIlroy is ready for the next chapter in what has already been a historic season.