Rory McIlroy is approaching next week's US PGA Championship with "nothing but positive vibes" after ending his decade-long wait for a fifth major title.
The Northern Irishman completed the career Grand Slam with a thrilling play-off victory over Justin Rose in last month's Masters.
McIlroy, who turned 36 on Sunday, will return to major action at Quail Hollow, a venue where he has enjoyed remarkable success with four previous PGA Tour victories.
The world number two is relishing the opportunity to compete with significantly less pressure on his shoulders.
Rory McIlroy is full of positive vibes ahead of his next major
Reuters
McIlroy's Masters triumph at Augusta National saw him join an exclusive club of men's golf legends who have completed the career Grand Slam.
Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tiger Woods are the only other players to have achieved this remarkable feat.
The victory marked McIlroy's first major success since the 2014 US PGA Championship, ending a frustrating 10-year drought.
His dramatic win came after nearly squandering a five-shot lead with eight holes to play before defeating Rose with a birdie on the first play-off hole.
"I'm obviously going to feel more comfortable and a lot less pressure," McIlroy said ahead of 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 next week with what happened a few weeks ago and with my history there."
The world number two expects a different experience at major championships going forward.
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"I probably won't be quite as on edge as I have been for the past few years," he added.
"I'll probably be a bit better to be around for my family and I'll be a little more relaxed."
McIlroy has had a whirlwind few weeks since his Masters victory, balancing celebrations with obligations.
He skipped the RBC Heritage tournament to return home to Northern Ireland to visit his parents.
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Rory McIlroy finally won The Masters last monthReutersThe golfer then returned to action alongside Shane Lowry for the defence of their Zurich Classic of New Orleans title, where they finished tied 12th.
McIlroy also fulfilled media commitments in New York, appearing on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and The Today Show.
"It's not even the celebrating, it's the obligations you have afterwards," McIlroy explained.
McIlroy reflected on the immense pressure of pursuing the career Grand Slam over the years.
"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'," he revealed.
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ReutersHe noted that Jordan Spieth, who will attempt to complete his own career Grand Slam at next week's US PGA, faces "a bit of a different proposition".
Unlike McIlroy who had to conquer Augusta annually, the US PGA Championship changes venue each year.
"I'm just glad that it's done," McIlroy said about his Masters victory. "I don't want to ever have to go back to that Sunday afternoon again."
The Northern Irishman is now focused on returning to his normal routine as a golfer.
"I'm excited to get back to being a golfer," he told reporters ahead of the Truist Championship, where he tees off alongside Justin Thomas and England's Tommy Fleetwood.
McIlroy won this tournament last year when it was staged at Quail Hollow.
