McIlroy spoke to the media on Wednesday at the Zurich Classic, his first start since his historic Masters victory, in a nasally nasal tone, which was likely a result of the hectic, toast-filled celebration that had taken place over the previous two weeks.
Following Augusta, McIlroy traveled to London, where he and his wife, Erica, are building a home. He, Erica, and their 4-year-old daughter, Poppy, then boarded a plane to Belfast, according to McIlroy, to spend time with Rory's parents, Gerry and Rosie, as well as "a few other people that are important to me."
According to McIlroy, others in attendance included Harry Diamond, Rory's boyhood pal and caddy, and his wife, as well as Michael Bannon, who has been Rory's swing teacher since his Holywood days. "It was truly incredible to celebrate with the people who have supported me throughout my career and life," McIlroy remarked.
But returning to Rosie and Gerry, who notably gave up a lot to help Rory fulfill his aspirations when he was rising up the ranks. Mostly to support their only child's aspirations, Rosie worked evenings at a 3M plant while Gerry worked 100-hour weeks as a bartender and manager of a golf club locker room.
Gerry, in particular, was a smiling constant in Rory's swollen galleries, and his parents also became a staple in Rory's professional golf career.
However, Rosie and Gerry were absent at Augusta National earlier this month. His mother and father were back home in Northern Ireland, some 4,000 miles away, as a triumphant Rory emotionally embraced everyone in his path as he went from the 18th green to score on Sunday night.
Rory claimed on Wednesday that his parents' move caused them to miss his Grand Slam moment.
McIlroy's close associate Shane Lowry, whom McIlroy is partnered with at the Zurich this week, was among those present at the Masters to celebrate with him. The good times will undoubtedly keep coming in the Big Easy, but both McIlroy and Lowry are aware that it's time to return to their jobs.