Rocketman Rory McIlroy basking in his status as the hottest ticket in sport

Rory McIlroy talks to his teammate Shane Lowry (right) in New Orleans at the Zurich Classic. ‘I didn’t do anything,’ said the Masters champion. ‘Shane joked I could have had a couple of extra hours in bed if I wanted to.’ Photograph: Gerald Herbert/AP

“Please welcome your Players and Masters champion, Rory McIlroy.”

Shortly before 8am on the 10th tee at TPC Louisiana. The gallery is less than 100 in number. Still, there is extra pep in the starter’s voice. Those last four words carry such weight, they conjure such images. Masters champion, Rory McIlroy. An introduction he had waited a lifetime to receive. It somehow felt inadequate that it was over in a split second. “Very nice,” said McIlroy later. “I could get used to it.” He will be afforded that very privilege.