Rory McIlroy has opened up about his jubilant celebrations following his 'lifelong dream' of clinching the Masters and completing the career Grand Slam. The golf star ended a ten-year wait for a major championship win by nabbing the Green Jacket at Augusta National on April 13. He weathered a stormy final round to edge out Justin Rose in a playoff, sparking emotional scenes. Since his triumph, McIlroy has kept things low-key but broke his silence since leaving Augusta during his pre-tournament press conference ahead of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans on Wednesday. Teaming up with Shane Lowry, McIlroy is set to defend their title at the TPC Louisiana starting Thursday. He shared details of his UK trip to catch up with family and check on his future mansion at Wentworth estate near London, which he's building with his wife, Erica Stoll. The only snag was catching a cold upon returning to Florida, which had him "barely able to get out of bed" come Monday, reports the Irish Star. "It's been an amazing few days after, and to be able to reflect on it and everything that happened and the magnitude of everything," McIlroy reflected. "I think the big thing for me is just how the whole journey sort of resonated with people and the people that have reached out to me. That's been absolutely amazing. "Look, it's not every day you get to fulfill one of your lifelong goals and dreams, and I've just really tried to enjoy everything that comes along with that. "We first went to London with Erica and Poppy to see our new home that we're building there last week, 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 them, to be with Erica and [daughter] Poppy and my mom and dad and to see Michael Bannon, my lifelong coach, and spend a bit more time with Harry [Diamond, McIlroy's 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. "It's been an amazing few days, but I'm excited and I'm happy to be here with my man, and we're looking forward to a great week and trying to defend." Feeling touched by the global response, McIlroy revealed: "I spoke to two Presidents the day after, which was pretty cool. Just people reaching out from all walks of life, whether it be sports, entertainment, culture. Just all of it. People that you would never even think would watch golf or would know what's going on, that was very, very humbling. "I think people can see themselves in the struggle at times, and everything that you sort of try to put into getting the best out of yourself in that journey. I think people watching someone finally get it done, something they've been trying to do for a decade plus, I think it resonated with a lot of people." Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts.