Rory McIlroy reveals future goals after reaching golfing immortality

December 3, 2025

Rory McIlroy has revealed his future goals in golf after reaching the sport’s summit in 2025.

McIlroy got over the Grand Slam hump at Augusta National in April, becoming just the sixth player after Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods to win each of the four major championships in the modern era.

Much was made of the Irishman’s motivation struggles after winning the Masters, with McIlroy describing that triumph as conquering his Everest and explaining he has to look for another mountain to climb.

Ahead of the Australian Open at Royal Melbourne this week, the 36-year-old explained his drive going forward is powered by chasing the biggest trophies at sacred tracks.

“I’d love to win at St Andrews one day. I’d love to win a US Open at Pebble Beach. There’s a few venues in our game that maybe mean more than some of the others.

“I want to win more majors. I want to be part of more Ryder Cup teams. I’d say my records on either tour, whether it be the DP World Tour or PGA Tour, are probably meaning a little less to me as time moves on.

“It’s really just focusing on the majors and being a part of that Ryder Cup team and trying to build on the legacy I’ve built over the last 15 years.”

McIlroy is now favourite to win Sports Personality of the Year, which could mark the first time a golfer has scooped the award since Nick Faldo in 1989.

McIlroy is the hot favourite to win the Australian Open

Trading at around 9/2, McIlroy is the clear favourite to win down under. He’s in Australia for the first time in 11 years, seeking to land a second Stonehaven Cup to go with his 2013 victory over Adam Scott on the final hole at Royal Sydney.

The tournament has moved to Royal Melbourne in 2025 and McIlroy is well aware of what a win at this venue could do for his CV.

“I’ve talked about trying to win at some of the most important venues in golf and this week is one of them. You think about the people who have won at Royal Melbourne and how highly regarded it is.”

WATCH: McIlroy on his game-changing 2013 Australian Open win

“I think about that tournament a lot…” – Rory McIlroy on his 2013 #AusOpenGolf win over Adam Scott pic.twitter.com/y4MJmr5eXM

— Australian Open (@AusOpenGolf) December 3, 2025

Why Rory McIlroy’s 2025 was one of the greatest sporting achievements in history

McIlroy began the year by winning his first PGA Tour start, the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am to beat fellow countryman Shane Lowry by two strokes.

At the Players Championship in March, he won his second title when winning a playoff against JJ Spaun and from there the floodgates opened.

McIlroy soon became the second man to reach $100 million in official PGA Tour earnings, joining Tiger Woods who eclipsed the mark in 2012.

His Masters victory needs no explanation and in September he won his national open at The K Club.

McIlroy holed a 27-footer for eagle on the final hole to match the 17-under posted by Joakim Lagergren at the Irish Open, making a birdie on the third extra hole to seal the deal.

Three weeks later he represented his continent at the 2025 Ryder Cup, going 3-1-1 in his matches as Europe beat the United States 15-13.

That was the first away victory in a Ryder Cup since 2012 and in November he secured his seventh Race to Dubai title, overtaking Seve Ballesteros who had six and moving within one of Colin Montgomerie’s record.