Masters champion Rory McIlroy issues major warning after second Augusta win

Over the past four days, when McIlroy has built a six-stroke lead at the halfway point without playing his best, he has demonstrated a freedom that has eluded him for most of his chase to complete a full set of majors.

“I was happy last year that everything at the Grand Slam got done because that’s what I was striving for,” he said.

“And now, you know, it’s all the icing on the cake or the cherry on top, all the gravy, whatever you want to call it.

“But I feel like I can play my game and have a chance to win more major tournaments.”

After watching his thrilling battle with Cameron Young, plucky and unlucky veteran Justin Rose and world number one Scheffler – all of whom threatened McIlroy’s title defense – it looked as if he was enjoying the competition.

It was less stressful than previous years, and more fun to compete in sports. “I definitely felt more comfortable battling this year on the back nine than last year,” McIlroy said.

“It’s more of a want than a need. I want to win the biggest tournaments in the world. I want to win the Ryder Cup. I want to win the majors.

“At this stage of my career, that’s what keeps me going. I think I would have been devastated if I hadn’t been able to win this tournament after making such progress over the first two days.

“It would have been painful, but at the same time I would have dusted myself off and gone back to play the PGA at Aronimink, or the US Open at Shinnecock or [Open Championship] In Birkdale or whatever.

“But it’s an amazing start to the main season and I can’t wait for what lies ahead.”