Rory McIlroy has admitted that he was delighted to win the Players Championship on Monday, having had his 'heart broken' in the past.
The 35-year-old went into his play-off clash with JJ Spaun hoping to claim his second title of 2025 so far.
And McIlroy did exactly that, with the golf star securing a bogey on the final hole to secure the 28th PGA Tour win of his career.
These days, the world No 2 appears to have his swagger back.
Though he remains on the lookout for a first major since 2014, the golfer's form bodes well with the Masters on the horizon.
McIlroy, when asked if his best golf lay ahead, stated: "Absolutely. I don't think I should be out here if I didn't believe my best golf was in front of me."
Last year, McIlroy missed out on US Open glory with the Northern Irishman beaten to the prize by Bryson DeChambeau.
And the golf star has admitted to using pain to spur him on as he looks to add more triumphs to his sensational career.
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“I’ve had my heart broken a lot over the last few years when I’ve had chances on Sundays and it hasn’t quite materialised," he continued.
“But we all have to go through it, or at least all of us not named Tiger Woods.
“It’s a part of the process, it’s a part of the learning journey, and ultimately, those are the days that make us better.”
McIlroy confessed to nerves after he failed to convert a three-shot lead with six holes to play.
READ MORE: Rory McIlroy makes immediate retirement announcement after beating JJ Spaun to win Players Championship
Yet he was pleased to overcome them to etch his name into the history books once more.
“Honestly, standing over that tee-shot on 16 this morning is the most nervous I’ve been in a long time," he stated.
“So I think that will stand to me, feeling like that and being able to hit the golf shots that I need while your stomach is not feeling great and your legs are a little shaky and your heart rate is racing.
“To have to go through that today, it’s nice to have that in recent memory for some of the tournaments coming up for sure.”
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With the Masters just a few weeks away, it'll be fascinating to see how McIlroy fares.
It would be quite an achievement to go all the way, especially given his agonising wait for another major.
McIlroy is, however, enthused by his win with the Briton feeling he's operating at the peak of his powers at the current moment in time.
"I'm a better putter," he sauid.
“I’m better around the greens. I can flight my ball better in the wind; my ability to shape shots both ways …
“By no means did I have my best stuff this week, but I was still able to win one of the biggest tournaments in the world. That’s a huge thing.”
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The 35-year-old went into his play-off clash with JJ Spaun hoping to claim his second title of 2025 so far.
And McIlroy did exactly that, with the golf star securing a bogey on the final hole to secure the 28th PGA Tour win of his career.
These days, the world No 2 appears to have his swagger back.
Though he remains on the lookout for a first major since 2014, the golfer's form bodes well with the Masters on the horizon.
McIlroy, when asked if his best golf lay ahead, stated: "Absolutely. I don't think I should be out here if I didn't believe my best golf was in front of me."
Last year, McIlroy missed out on US Open glory with the Northern Irishman beaten to the prize by Bryson DeChambeau.
And the golf star has admitted to using pain to spur him on as he looks to add more triumphs to his sensational career.
JUST IN: Sky Sports 'send out strict instructions to pundits' as Man City wait to learn outcome of 115 charges case
“I’ve had my heart broken a lot over the last few years when I’ve had chances on Sundays and it hasn’t quite materialised," he continued.
“But we all have to go through it, or at least all of us not named Tiger Woods.
“It’s a part of the process, it’s a part of the learning journey, and ultimately, those are the days that make us better.”
McIlroy confessed to nerves after he failed to convert a three-shot lead with six holes to play.
READ MORE: Rory McIlroy makes immediate retirement announcement after beating JJ Spaun to win Players Championship
Yet he was pleased to overcome them to etch his name into the history books once more.
“Honestly, standing over that tee-shot on 16 this morning is the most nervous I’ve been in a long time," he stated.
“So I think that will stand to me, feeling like that and being able to hit the golf shots that I need while your stomach is not feeling great and your legs are a little shaky and your heart rate is racing.
“To have to go through that today, it’s nice to have that in recent memory for some of the tournaments coming up for sure.”
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With the Masters just a few weeks away, it'll be fascinating to see how McIlroy fares.
It would be quite an achievement to go all the way, especially given his agonising wait for another major.
McIlroy is, however, enthused by his win with the Briton feeling he's operating at the peak of his powers at the current moment in time.
"I'm a better putter," he sauid.
“I’m better around the greens. I can flight my ball better in the wind; my ability to shape shots both ways …
“By no means did I have my best stuff this week, but I was still able to win one of the biggest tournaments in the world. That’s a huge thing.”
Find Out More...