Rory McIlroy makes dramatic U-turn as he announces three remaining career goals

Golf ace Rory McIlroy has revealed his three remaining career goals: winning the Masters, earning Olympic gold, and clinching another Ryder Cup victory on foreign soil.

The Northern Irishman, who's bagged 41 professional wins, including four majors, is yet to slip on the coveted green jacket at the Masters. This remains a key goal for McIlroy, who has previously won the US Open, PGA Championship and The Open but hasn't tasted major success since his PGA Championship win in 2014.

The 35-year-old has also got his eyes set on Olympic glory and contributing to a European victory in the Ryder Cup on US soil. It would be the second time McIlroy has helped Team Europe win stateside during his career.

"Winning the Masters, winning an Olympic medal and another away Ryder Cup, they are my three goals for the rest of my career," McIlroy told BBC Sport. His focus on the Ryder Cup and the Olympics marks a significant shift, as he previously downplayed both events.

Now 35, McIlroy has emerged as a key player for Europe in the Ryder Cup, despite his earlier ambivalence towards the team competition. He made waves in 2009 as a 20-year-old, stating: "It's not that important of an event for me. It's an exhibition at the end of the day. Obviously, I'll try my best for the team but I'm not going to be running around fist-pumping."

His stance on golfing events outside of the majors also extended to the Olympics. After opting out of the 2016 Rio Games, McIlroy explained, "I don't feel like I've let the game down at all. I didn't get into the game of golf to try and grow the game. I tried to get into golf to win major championships and all of a sudden you get to this point and there's a responsibility on you to grow the game.

"I get that but at the same time that's not the reason I got into golf. I got into golf to win – not to get other people into the game. I get that different people have different opinions but I'm very happy with the decision I've made and I've got no regrets about it. I'm sure I'll be watching the Olympics but I'm not sure golf will be one of the events I'll watch."

However, it seems McIlroy has had a change of heart regarding both the Ryder Cup and the Olympics. Having kicked off his 2025 at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, McIlroy will be back in action at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am this week.

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