McIlroy shot an opening 4-under 66 that featured six birdies and long drives. "I certainly can tidy a few things up," he said, "but overall a decent day.”

Stoll and Poppy were at Augusta National last month to celebrate McIlroy as he completed a career Grand Slam with a playoff victory over Justin Rose to win his first-ever Masters.

Shane Lowry has expressed his desire before that golfers be given time before speaking to the media after a round, and he declined to meet the press after this gut-wrenching defeat.

"It’s been amazing," said Masters champion Rory McIlroy. "I wish we played more tournaments up here," said Justin Thomas.

Rory McIlroy has been on a tear of late headed into next weekend's PGA Championship. Going back to last November, he won the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.

The McIlroy household is looking at a major life change in the near future, which eradicates any notion that the marriage is not healthy.

Shane Lowry admits he's been inspired by Rory McIlroy's persistence as he seeks his first solo win for more than two-and-a-half years in the $20 million Truist Championship in Philadelphia.

McIlroy had nothing but praise for Philadelphia Cricket Club, but suggested a shorter golf ball would make it play like the architects intended it to