RORY MCILROY was is buoyant form after making his first media appearance since his historic Masters win at Augusta National. The world number two is fresh from the historic major Grand Slam success at Augusta National after a playoff win over Justin Rose saw him claim the green jacket. He jetted back to Ireland last weekend for some low-key celebrations before returning on Sunday evening to his residence in Florida. But it's full focus this week as he joined his pal Shane Lowry at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. The only team event on the PGA Tour will be the Holywood hotshot's first since he claimed the historic major Grand Slam. Last season, Ireland's 2024 Olympic duo decided to join forces for the PGA Tour's only team event on the regular season rota at TPC Louisiana in Avondale. And the decision paid off as they claimed victory in a playoff against Chad Ramey and Martin Trainer. Now they will defend that title tomorrow, and speaking ahead of the opening round at TPC Louisiana, McIlroy laid out some of his prime targets for the remainder of the 2024 season. When asked about his goals, the three-time FedEx Cup champion admitted that one of them was the upcoming Ryder Cup match at Bethpage Black. McIlroy firmly issued the warning shot to the Team USA as he admitted that it's a huge priority for both him and the Offaly ace. It was the Northern Irishman's first press conference since the Masters success as he joined Ryder Cup pal Lowry in Avondale. The Down native stated as Lowry nodded: "I think one goal we both share is winning at Bethpage [2025 Ryder Cup]. "I think that would be an unbelievable way to top off the year." Luke Donald's side will be made up of 12 players, with six guaranteeing their spot through the ranking system and the other six getting chosen by the team captain. Team Europe will look to retain their crown at the Bethpage Black Course in New York from September 26-28. The pair's defence gets underway on Thursday with all the action live on Sky Sports Golf.