Rory McIlroy reveals huge difference Masters win has made to his career in telling remarks

It was the moment when a destiny became fulfilled. Rory McIlroy's short birdie putt at the first sudden-death hole at the not only saw him , it also cemented his legacy as one of the all-time greats of the game.

The Northern Irishman became just the sixth player in history to complete a career Grand Slam. His emotion in the aftermath of his win, sinking to his knees before bursting into tears, underlined the pressure he'd been under to win that one major event that had cruelly eluded him following his final round collapse in 2011. Now, the world No.2 has candidly admitted that one month on from his triumph, his life has changed.

"I think when something like the Masters happens and you go from being one of the most recognised golfers in the world to maybe, you know, one of the most recognised athletes in doing something that few people in your sport have done," he told . "It opens doors, it opens opportunities."

Indeed, McIlroy appeared on the iconic US TV programme The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon this week. He's also confirmed a and will play a role in their new venture, the launch of TGP Sports.

The Ryder Cup hero claimed he's been receiving frequent calls and "reach-outs from all walks of life." He also admitted that his life was already markedly different from when he teed off at Augusta in April.

"I think winning the Masters is its own thing," he said. "I think being only the sixth golfer ever to achieve the career grand slam. That's very meaningful for me and something that I've been striving towards for the last decade plus."

McIlroy, 35, took a break from golf immediately after his Masters triumph. He made his return alongside Shane Lowry at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans last week, but the pair failed to defend their title as they finished 12th at TPC Louisiana.

The world No.2 will now be among the favourites when the Championship gets underway at Quail Hollow on May 15. McIlroy has previously won four times at the venue, most recently at the 2024 Wells Fargo Championship.