As 2026 approaches, attention turns to McIlroy’s revised goals beyond the Masters and Ryder Cup, including pursuing additional majors and Olympic ambitions.

Faldo praises World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler for his clear-headed mindset and relentless hunger to win, contrasting him with players who falter early in tournaments.

McIlroy acknowledges the challenge of staying motivated after big wins, noting he often struggles to find the same drive the following week and after major triumphs.

McIlroy also admitted a post-Masters period of struggle with motivation and energy to compete for majors, underscoring the difficulty of sustaining effort after a landmark victory.

After Rory McIlroy’s Masters win in 2025 completed his career grand slam, Sir Nick Faldo argues that such an emotional peak makes adding more majors harder to replicate and potentially less likely.

Faldo notes McIlroy is 36 with five majors, suggesting a real possibility he may not win another major, while also entertaining the idea of McIlroy playing more freely without the pressure of chasing more majors.

Faldo envisions two paths for McIlroy: disappointment at not adding to his tally or ecstasy at reaching five majors, but he warns the next major would be an uphill climb after a defining moment.

The comments come from Faldo’s Belfast Telegraph interview, reported as McIlroy prepares to compete in the Australian Open during the week of the article.

In 2025, McIlroy did not win on the PGA Tour again after the Masters, but he captured the Irish Open and contributed to Europe’s Ryder Cup victory at Bethpage Black.

Looking at 2025 in context, McIlroy achieved the Masters career grand slam and secured away Ryder Cup success, with an Olympic gold medal still anticipated for 2028, signaling a potential strategic shift after 2025.