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.”

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

Rory McIlroy enters the Masters this week more than 3,800 days removed from his last major championship win. DeChambeau revealed after the Masters that the new champion didn't say a word to him during the final round.

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

Rory McIlroy was only a few feet away from being hit by a golf ball during the early stages of his final round at the Truist Championship. The fans gathered around McIlroy's shot from the rough all ducked in unison when the 'fore' shout came, and although the stray ball bounced up and hit a policeman, everybody escaped unscathed.

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.

McIlroy signed off by describing Quail Hollow as one of his favourite places in the world. Diamond presumably agreed. There followed another win here last year, putting his foot on Xander Schauffele’s throat with a storming Sunday finish to win by five shots.

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.