Rory McIlroy had "low-key" return home after Masters win, hints a bigger party later this year

Rory McIlroy says he had a "low-key" time back home in Northern Ireland after his huge Masters win, but teased that a bigger party could be in store later this year.

McIlroy, who became the sixth golfer ever to claim a Grand Slam after winning the Masters on Sunday, April 13, spoke with the Golf Channel yesterday in New Orleans, where he and partner Shane Lowry are competing in the Zurich Classic.

The Irish duo, who are also great pals, are the reigning Zurich Classic champs.

There was some speculation that McIlroy might not participate this year after his big win in Augusta, but he's back on the green less than two weeks afterward.

McIlroy told the Golf Channel he is "grateful" and "just so thankful that I'm in this position in life" after winning the Masters.

"Not many people can set their minds to a dream or a goal at eight years old and at 35 be able to achieve it," he said.

"Just super thankful with the people I have around me - my family, my wife, my daughter, my parents, my friends.

"I think the big thing over the last week is just being so grateful to people that have been with me on this journey and being able to share it with them."

When asked if returning home to Northern Ireland felt different after winning the Masters, McIlroy admitted: "Yeah, it did.

"It was really nice to see my parents.

"Really nice to be there with Erica [his wife] and Poppy [their daughter].

"See Michael Bannon, who's been my lifelong coach.

"Spend a bit more time with Harry [his caddy] and his wife and just talk about the entire week - not just the week, but the entire journey up until that point.

"Yeah, it felt different. I tried to make it very low-key and just tried to be with the people that I really wanted to be with.

"I'm sure we'll head back there later in the year and have a bit more of a party.

"But it was really nice to go back and spend a little bit of time with the people I really wanted to."

McIlroy was pretty tight-lipped about his immediate plans after winning the Masters, but said he couldn't wait to celebrate with his parents, who were watching from back home in Northern Ireland.

"I want to say hello to my mum and dad, they're back home in Northern Ireland," he said, growing teary-eyed, in his first interview after winning.

Fighting back tears, he agreed that his parents had made a lot of sacrifices that helped him get to this point.

"I can't wait to see them next week," he said. "Just can't wait to celebrate this with them."

Following his Masters win and Grand Slam achievement, conversation quickly turned to how the native of Holywood in Co Down would be celebrated back in Northern Ireland - he even managed to unite Northern Ireland's leading politicians in agreement that the golf champ should be formally celebrated.

On April 18, the Belfast Telegraph reported that McIlroy's private jet - a Gulfstream G650ER, commonly known as a G6 - had touched down at Belfast City Airport.

It was a flying visit home, though, as McIlroy was reportedly back in Florida, where he lives with his wife and daughter, on Sunday, April 20.

The new Masters champ arrived in New Orleans on Wednesday for the Zurich Classic.