Rory McIlroy indicates retirement timeline after winning Masters for second time

Jack Otway
Tue, 14 Apr 2026 11:15:35 +0000

Rory McIlroy has indicated that he plans to keep playing golf for at least another nine years, having won the Masters for a second time on Sunday.

The Northern Irishman overcame challenges from Cameron Young, Scottie Scheffler and Justin Rose to secure the green jacket and etch his name into the history books.

McIlroy, at the age of 36, already has six majors to his name.

That's something he's keen to build on, with the Briton seemingly getting better with each passing year.

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McIlroy, speaking to Sky Sports, has admitted that he wants to win more honours going forward.

He said: “For me, it is the majors, it is Ryder Cups and it is the biggest tournaments in the world – that is what keeps me going and that is what is going to keep me going from 36 to when I am 45 for example.

“I have the opportunity to do them all, which is amazing. I have won two Masters and two PGA Championships and I have got a chance to win two US Opens and two Opens.

“I said last year, after the grand slam, that everything else is sort of a cherry on top.

"Last year, after getting over that hurdle, I just feel like it makes the next few years of my career have potential and it is an amazing place to be.”

McIlroy has been playing on the PGA Tour for a number of years.

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He first started professionally back in 2007, at the age of 18, having represented Great Britain and Ireland in the Walker Cup.

His maiden major came four years later at the US Open, before he won the PGA Championship twice (in 2012 and 2014) and The Open.

McIlroy had to wait 11 long years for another major title.

But he delivered that at Augusta 12 months ago, overcoming Rose in a mouthwatering play-off.

Rose, at the age of 45, remains somebody who McIlroy looks up to. Expressing his admiration for the Englishman, the Holywood-born star said: “What he is doing at his age is incredible and I think everyone would love to see him get another major, because I think he deserves it.

“What Rose is doing is sort of the blueprint for me. I feel like I can look at him and see myself competing at the highest level when I am that age as well.”

Following his historic consecutive Masters triumph, McIlroy will now target glory in the PGA Championship.

The golfer has planned a brief hiatus to celebrate with his family before resuming his competitive programme.

McIlroy's family were in attendance on Sunday as he claimed glory at Augusta.

His wife Erica Stoll, five-year-old daughter Poppy and parents Rosie and Gerry were all smiles after he managed to fend off Scheffler and co for the coveted green jacket.