Green looks good on Rory McIlroy. The reigning Masters champion is basking in the unique glow that only comes with slipping on the iconic jacket, savoring every perk that follows a victory at Augusta National.

This year, his arrival carried a different energy. He came early, embracing his role as champion by appearing at the Augusta National Women's Amateur and Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals. The week began with a priceless Sunday afternoon round alongside his father, Gerry—a quiet, celebratory moment on the hallowed grounds he now owns a piece of.

By Tuesday, the weight of a 17-year quest was visibly gone. "Look, it feels absolutely incredible," McIlroy said, reflecting on his 2025 triumph. That victory was monumental, ending his long pursuit of the green jacket and, in the process, making him just the sixth golfer ever to complete the career Grand Slam. "To be able to come back and do this press conference in a green jacket," he added, "that feels pretty good."

Freed from the pressure, McIlroy is relishing a champion's pace. "I would have never arrived on a Saturday," he admitted. "For the past 17 years I just could not wait for the tournament to start, and this year I wouldn't care if the tournament never started."

His duties culminated in the storied Champions Dinner Tuesday night, where the reigning winner selects the menu—and picks up the tab. McIlroy embraced the tradition, noting the fun of accessing Augusta's legendary wine cellar to share with golf's legends.

This relaxed demeanor marks a stark contrast to his history here. Since a heartbreaking final-round collapse in 2011, the Masters had been his final frontier. Even after winning the other three majors, Augusta's challenge remained, with slow starts and missed cuts adding to the narrative. His 2025 win, a roller-coaster ending in a sudden-death playoff victory over Justin Rose, finally cemented his place among the game's true royalty, earning him a lifetime of returns to the course that once haunted him.