Rory McIlroy targets another decade chasing top prizes - and salutes Ryder Cup team-mate providing 'blueprint'
Rory McIlroy feels the hunger for more success at “the biggest tournaments in the world” will keep him focused on remaining at the top of the game for the next decade.
The 36-year-old delivered another memorable Masters victory on Sunday, becoming only the fourth player to win the prestigious title back-to-back at Augusta National.
Having already completed a long-awaited career grand slam last year as well as being a key member of Europe’s successful Ryder Cup squad, Northern Ireland’s McIlroy has nothing left to prove – but holds no intentions of letting his mindset slip.
“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,” McIlroy said in an interview with Sky Sports. “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.”
Englishman Justin Rose – who lost a play-off to McIlroy at Augusta last year – held the lead on the back nine during Sunday’s final round, before back-to-back bogeys around Amen Corner saw him eventually finish in a tie for third.
It was a third top-six finish in his last eight major appearances for the 45-year-old.
McIlroy feels the example set by close friend and Ryder Cup team-mate Rose can help serve as a “blueprint” for his own targets of remaining competitive later in his career.
“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,” McIlroy said. “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.”
McIlroy is expected to again take some time off to recharge following his one-shot victory at Augusta ahead of world number one Scottie Scheffler.