Masters win will help McIlroy 'play with more freedom'

Rory McIlroy says finally fulfilling his dream of completing the career Grand Slam will "free him up" to achieve further success in the sport.

The Northern Ireland golfer became one of an elite group of only six players to win all four majors when he beat England's Justin Rose in a play-off to claim his first Masters title at Augusta.

The 35-year-old's triumph also ended an 11-year wait since his last major victory at the 2014 Open Championship. He won the US Open on 2011 and the US PGA Championship in 2012 and 2014.

"Getting the Masters, the career grand slam, the fifth major, getting all that out of the way. I think it will allow me to play with a lot more freedom," McIlroy told BBC Sport NI's Stephen Watson in Augusta.

"I really do think it's going to free me up. It's been a long time coming."

McIlroy joins a list of golfing greats in winning all four of the sport's premier tournaments.

"I don't think it will sink in for a while. There have only ever been five other players in history that have done it - Jack [Nicklaus], Tiger [Woods], Gary Player, Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, the creme de la creme of golf.

"To think that I've been able to put my name alongside theirs.

"I had a little reception with the members [at Augusta] and I said 'I'm going to be going to that Champions' Dinner every Tuesday night and they're going to have to wheel me out of here until I'm 90 years old!"

McIlroy came out on top after a dramatic final day which saw him regroup from missing a putt which would have secured victory on the 18th to beat Rose in a sudden death play-off.

"When I hit the ball in the water on 13 I had a look at the board and I saw I was tied for the lead at that point and then I saw Justin Rose had just made a birdie to go to 11 [under].

"I thought, it's ok, I've still got 14 and15 which are maybe birdie holes but then I bogey 14 and suddenly my back's really against the wall.

"I pulled out a great shot when I needed it on 15 and from there I played some really great golf and had a chance in regulation to get the job done and wasn't able to take it. I think from the last hole in regulation to the play-off hole it was like a microcosm of the whole week, it was one bad hole followed by one great hole.

McIlroy reflected further on the pressure he feels has been lifted off his shoulders after the frustration of several missed opportunities to secure the famed Green Jacket awarded to the Masters winner.

"I've been coming here for 17 years, I had my first real chance at winning this 14 years ago. It didn't quite happen that day and then for the last 10 years I've been coming here and trying to complete the Grand Slam.

"Every year I've come here there has been a lot riding on this week for obvious reasons. Some years I handled it well, some years I didn't, but thankfully, finally, I was able to get over the line.

"There were a few low points. Driving out of Magnolia Lane on Sunday nights and it not happening so to finally get the job done this year is unbelievably satisfying, such a special moment."

McIlroy has two more majors to compete in before contesting the Open Championship in his native country in July but his thoughts are already turning to returning to Royal Portrush in the hope of succeeding Shane Lowry in winning the title there.

"I can't wait to go back to go back to Portrush in July with this [the Masters title] on tow.

"Shane's defence at Portrush is going to be amazing this year and hopefully I'll have something to say about that as well.

"I'm very proud of where I'm from and every time I go back I realise that more and more."