Rory McIlroy got the better of Justin Rose via a dramatic playoff at the Masters last month, but one of the Northern Irishman's former allies was rooting for his rival

Rory McIlroy has been carrying a monkey on his shoulders for years. Now everything changes and he can win more Majors this year,” says the Englishman a few weeks after the long-awaited Career Grand Slam won by the Northern Irishman by winning the 2025 Masters in a thrilling playoff against Justin Rose.

Rory McIlroy is being tipped to add to his major haul this year, with The Open Championship returning to Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, a venue which holds bad memories for the world No.2