Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy has revealed an unexpected struggle with the trappings of Masters glory during an appearance at CNBC's CEO Council Forum.
The Holywood golfer admitted he had grown weary of bringing golf's most prestigious garment to various functions across India and the Middle East.
"I sort of complained about wearing it in Abu Dhabi. And I said to my wife, Erica, if you ever hear me complain about wearing this thing again, like punch me or do something, because I've waited my whole life to wear this, and I'm complaining about wearing it," McIlroy confessed.
The 35-year-old disclosed that footage from his April victory continues to provoke powerful emotions months after the achievement.
TRENDING
Stories
Videos
Your Say
"If I watch that final scene on the 18th green and I drop to my knees, it's still hard for me not to cry," he revealed during the forum.
McIlroy acknowledged that even eight or nine months following his Augusta triumph, viewing those moments triggers the same overwhelming feelings he experienced during the victory.
Rory McIlroy told his wife Erica Stoll to 'punch him' if he complained about the green jacket again
| reutersThe four-time major winner's emotional response underscores the profound significance of capturing the title that had eluded him throughout his illustrious career.
The champion reflected on the magnitude of finally securing the elusive title after years of pursuit.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
"Honestly, like I've dreamt about that moment for so long, and it lived up to everything I thought it would be, and more," McIlroy stated.
He acknowledged that whilst he had envisioned claiming the green jacket countless times, he hadn't anticipated what would follow the achievement.
"If you want something for so long and so badly, and you end up doing it, you dream about doing it, but you don't dream about what comes next," the golfer explained during his forum appearance.
Rory McIlroy was cheered on by his wife and daughter as he won the Masters earlier this year
| REUTERSDuring the wide-ranging discussion, McIlroy addressed professional golf's fractured landscape and the challenges facing potential reunification.
He expressed scepticism about bridging the divide between traditional golf and LIV Golf, citing the Saudi-backed tour's extraordinary financial commitments.
"LIV's spent $5 or $6 billion, and they're going to have to spend another five or six just to maintain where they are," McIlroy observed, noting that player contracts would soon require renewal at similar or increased rates.
The Masters champion voiced firm support for the PGA Tour's direction under new chief executive Brian Rolapp.
He said: "I think everyone on the PGA Tour feels like we're in a good place and trust that his guidance and leadership will position us in the right place."