Masters champion Rory McIlroy on next steps? "I don't think I need to do that"

Newly-crowned Masters champion Rory McIlroy has distanced himself from setting goals for the remainder of his career. 

McIlroy was reduced to a shaking, convulsing mess earlier in the month when he finally completed the career grand slam at Augusta National by clinching his first Masters title. 

The 35-year-old took a well-deserved break from the game and returned home to Northern Ireland to visit his parents Rosie and Gerry, spend time with his lifetime coach Michael Bannon and celebrate with his caddie Harry Diamond. 

He returned to action at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans with his European Ryder Cup teammate Shane Lowry where the unburdened golfer revealed he was touched by how much his victory at Augusta resonated with people from all walks of life. 

Of course, predictions have been flooding in thick and fast about what the boy from Holywood will go on to achieve in our sport.

Even his sports psychologist Dr Bob Rotella - who revealed it was always part of the game plan to ignore Bryson DeChambeau at Augusta - believes its not unreasonable for McIlroy to win at least 10 majors before he ultimately retires. 

McIlroy, though, does not want to articulate what his individual goals are. 

"I don’t think I need to do that," McIlroy told the Guardian's Ewan Murray of goal setting.

"What's next is just, how do I keep playing this way? I won the Players Championship a few weeks ago. 

"I won at Pebble Beach a few weeks before that. If I keep playing the way I am, anything is possible. 

"If I can produce the shots I needed to over the last few holes at Augusta, feeling as I was feeling, then I am pretty capable of doing anything in this game."

McIlroy has confirmed his next start on the PGA Tour will be the Truist Championship. 

He will then turn his attentions to the U.S. PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club. 

Elsewhere, he has confirmed that he will use the Scottish Open as part of his preparations for the final men's major of the year at Royal Portrush. 

TaylorMade makes special Rory McIlroy announcement

Rory McIlroy's equipment sponsor, TaylorMade, released a special edition golf ball for public sale to celebrate his Masters victory. 

The OEM have now gone one step further by putting a unique set of RORS.PROTO irons on sale. 

They will be available to purchase until 15 May.