Rory McIlroy 'could barely get out of bed' as Masters winner details Augusta aftermath

admitted he was practically bed-bound after picking up an illness on his week-long celebration. The five-time major winner, whose green jacket made him only the sixth golfer in history to complete the Career Grand Slam, is in Louisiana this week to team up with old pal Shane Lowry at the Zurich Classic.

Lowry admitted he wasn't sure whether McIlroy would join him to defend their Zurich Classic title while watching him fight for victory at Augusta. And McIlroy's place did look to be in jeopardy when he came down with a cold after a long and jubilant trip to celebrate with his loved ones.

A whirlwind week for McIlroy took in trips to England and Northern Ireland, while he also received calls from US Presidents Donald Trump and Barack Obama.

"We first went to London with [my wife] Erica and [daughter] Poppy to see our new home that we're building there last week," McIlroy explained. "And then we made the trip over to Belfast to see my mom and dad and a few other people that are important to me over there.

"Just to be with Erica and Poppy and my mom and dad and to see Michael Bannon, my lifelong coach, and spend a bit more time with Harry [Diamond, his caddie] and his wife and just celebrate with the people that have been a part of this whole thing for my entire career, my entire life, was absolutely amazing."

The celebrations did, however, take their toll. He continued: "I've picked up a bit of a cold on the way, so I'm feeling a little bit under the weather. Once I got back from Ireland on Sunday, then when I woke up Monday morning, I could barely get out of bed; I was feeling that bad."

Lowry himself was in contention at Augusta before a final-round collapse dropped him down to a tie for 42nd. But the Irishman was overjoyed for his friend McIlroy to win, and he was a central figure in the Augusta celebrations.

Now, McIlroy wants to repay the favour at this week's team event. "I need to put a little bit of practice and a bit of work in today to make sure that I don't let him down this week," he said.

"I'm eager to get back out there. I think this is the perfect atmosphere to do it in. That's a part of the reason that I wanted to honour the commitment to be here - it's a fun event to be out there with Shane."