Rory McIlroy delayed making the media rounds that most Masters champs do for a couple weeks, but now he’s on a press tour heater. And he offered up some cool insight as to what’s unfolded in his life since completing the career Grand Slam.
McIlroy’s first move after finally winning the green jacket was to return to his native Northern Ireland to see his parents and friends. But he was in New York wearing that coveted coat to make multiple TV appearances, including on Thursday’s episode of the “Tonight Show” with Jimmy Fallon.
McIlroy shared what it was like to finally win the Masters and revealed some of the people who have reached out to him since. That’s when Fallon asked what their mutual friend, Tiger Woods, texted him. Turns out, it was only a five-word message. But it meant a lot to McIlroy.
“He said, ‘Welcome to the club, kid,'” McIlroy said. “Which was just so cool.”
The “club,” of course, is golf’s career Grand Slam winners. And it’s about as exclusive as it gets.
“Six people ever have achieved the Grand Slam in golf,” McIlroy continued. “Only four of us are living. You know, Gary Player is 90 years old, Jack (Nicklaus) is 85 or 86, then there’s Tiger and myself. It’s really cool to be a part of.”
Also cool? McIlroy heard from a certain non-sports legend. Well, sort of.
“I was sort of overwhelmed with the people who reached out from all different walks of life, you know, culture, entertainment,” McIlroy said.
“But the one that got me was Sir Elton John. That was incredible. I haven’t actually been able to connect with him.
“His assistant left me a voicemail and said, ‘Sir Elton would love to congratulate you in person. The only problem is he doesn’t have a cell phone, so you might get a call from a number in Windsor, England, from a landline,’ and I’m like ‘Sure!’ But we haven’t been able to connect, so I would love to reach out. But it’s Elton John, it’s so cool. I didn’t know Elton John even knew what golf was.”
Great stuff. And, Sir Elton, if you happen to know what Golf Digest is and are reading this, Rory would still love for you to call him.
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