McIlroy’s victory at the Masters came 14 years after he looked set to win at Augusta National, having led by four shots after three rounds in 2011 before falling away.
But he held his nerve this year to claim his first green jacket in a play-off after a late charge from Ryder Cup team-mate Justin Rose.
McIlroy joined an elite club with his Masters victory – with only Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods having previously completed the career Slam.
He also clinched a seventh Race to Dubai title in 2025 – and fourth in a row – and now sits one shy of Colin Montgomerie’s record of eight European Tour titles.
Asked if he is targeting the Scot’s record in 2026, McIlroy said: “I’d love to give that a go. I still feel like I have a good few years in me. Knock on wood I’ve been injury-free.
“I’ve been on tour for half my life – 18 years – but I still feel the enthusiasm for the game.
“Majors, more Ryder Cups, all that is great but like Tommy [Fleetwood] said as long as you feel you still have that drive to keep on getting better then that’s the most important thing.”
McIlroy was named 2025’s Sports Personality of the Year at a ceremony in Salford on Thursday.
Tommy Fleetwood, McIlroy’s close friend, joined him to collect the Team of the Year award, which was awarded to Europe for their Ryder Cup success.
