Rory McIlroy is tired of the green jacket already and his wife has thoughts

Rory McIlroy’s first year as a Masters champion has turned out to be a lot more demanding than he expected. Seven months after capturing the 2025 green jacket and finally completing the career Grand Slam, he’s been taking the iconic garment with him everywhere for events on the DP World Tour.And yes, it’s starting to wear on him a little.

During a conversation at CNBC’s Council Forum, McIlroy admitted he briefly grumbled about having to put the jacket on yet again during a stop in Abu Dhabi.

The reaction at home was immediate. He jokingly told his wife, Erica Stoll, to “punch me“ if he ever complains about wearing something he spent his entire life trying to earn.

The comment came with a smile, but the fatigue is real. “Most places you go, people want to see the green jacket,” McIlroy said.

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

Rory McIlroy

A global victory lap with growing pressure

McIlroy has every reason to protect the moment. His breakthrough at Augusta in April was the most significant win of his career. With his wife and daughter watching, he outlasted Justin Rose in a tense playoff after both finished at 11 under.

The triumph made him only the sixth golfer in history to complete the career Grand Slam, joining names highlighted by ESPN and Golf Digest such as Tiger Woods, who last achieved it in 2000.

In the days after the win, McIlroy reflected on how much emotional weight he carried over the past decade. “This is my 17th time here,” he said on CBS. “The last 10 years I came back with the Grand Slam in the back of my mind.”

That pressure didn’t stop once he put on the green jacket. The year also included a chaotic Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, where Erica made headlines of her own after being heckled and even struck by a drink during a rowdy Saturday session. McIlroy later praised her composure during Europe’s narrow 15 to 13 victory.

Now, despite the travel, the appearances, and the occasional complaint, the jacket stays with him. And if he forgets what it means, he knows exactly who will remind him.