Rory McIlroy may have waited his entire career to get his hands on a green jacket but, just seven months later, he’s admitted that he’s found it a burden at times.
The Northern Irishman put an end to his career-long quest for a Masters title back in April, after edging out Justin Rose in a stunning, sudden death play-off.
In the months that have followed, McIlroy had been touring the world and paid a visit to the likes of the Middle East, India and his home country Northern Ireland.
During those visits, McIlroy was often asked to don his prestigious green jacket however, the golf star has admitted that, at times, he’s found it to be a chore.
Speaking at CNBC’s Council Forum, McIlroy said: ‘I was in India a few weeks ago and I was in the Middle East the last two weeks, and most places you go, if you’re doing events, the people want to see the green jacket.
‘So you bring the green jacket with you, and sometimes, you don’t want to wear it, you know. You don’t want to. I sort of complained about wearing it in Abu Dhabi.’
Rory McIlroy has admitted that he ‘complained’ about having to wear his Masters green jacket
The Northern Irishman told his wife to punch him if he ever complained about wearing it
However, the 36-year-old eventually came to the realization that his complaints over wearing the jacket at the events were ridiculous, given how hard he worked to earn it.
He continued: ‘I said to my wife, Erica, if you ever hear me complain about wearing this thing again, like punch me or do something, because I’ve waited my whole life to wear this, and I’m complaining about wearing it’.
Back in April, McIlroy was seen embracing wife Erica Stoll and daughter Poppy in emotionally-charged scenes after finally winning the Masters.
After his winning birdie putt dropped to seal the victory over Ryder Cup teammate Justin Rose, McIlroy collapsed to the ground with his head in hands.
Rising to his feet, he clung to caddie, Harry Diamond, who has been by McIlroy’s side through thick and thin for over seven years.
The pair shared a tearful moment before the 2025 Masters winner acknowledged his dueling partner Rose and rushed off the putting surface to where Stoll and four-year-old Poppy were waiting.
McIlroy went straight to his wife of eight years, who wowed in an all-white ensemble and dramatic wide-brimmed hat, and pulled her into an embrace.
McIlroy (left) celebrated his Masters win with wife Erica and daughter Poppy back in April
McIlroy embraced his wife of almost eight years following a turbulent year off the course
However, after a chaotic 2024 for the couple – which involved a filed-then-rescinded divorce proposal – things didn’t get much easier in 2025.
Both McIlroy and Stoll were subject to vitriolic abuse during this year’s Ryder Cup, with the latter even being struck by a drink while walking the Bethpage Black course.
One brutish spectator even decided to bring up Rory’s ex-fiance Caroline Wozniacki when they reportedly shouted: ‘Your ex is looking for you.’
The abuse directed at McIlroy included frequent shots at his relationship with Stoll, with one fan shouting ‘How’s your divorce going?’, according to Golfweek.
Being defiant in the face of vitriol was the story for the Europeans this year. At one point McIlroy refused to play a shot.
Stoll, meanwhile, was praised by Luke Donald’s stars for her dignity despite the abuse – even if she had reportedly been reduced to tears.
