(Photo credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn Images)

AUGUSTA, Ga. -- Rory McIlroy thought that winning his first Masters and completing the career grand slam would be the defining moment in his golf career, only to find out that it simply moved the goal posts.

McIlroy has been asked repeatedly over the past 12 months about what his motivation is now that he has won all four majors, including that Masters triumph that eluded him for the better part of two decades. But it might have taken returning to Augusta National this week to bring his perspective full circle.

'I think what I've realized is, if you can just really find enjoyment in the journey, that's the big thing,' McIlroy, 36, said on Tuesday. 'Because, honestly, I felt like the career grand slam was my destination, and I got there, and then I realized it wasn't the destination.'

McIlroy acknowledged that he feels more relaxed around Augusta National. The Northern Irishman is hosting his first Champions Dinner on Tuesday night rather than dining elsewhere and wondering whether he'll ever get to join what he called 'one of the best traditions in sport.'

The proverbial weight is off his shoulders. McIlroy arrived at Augusta National on Saturday, earlier than he ever does so that he could take in some of the Augusta National Women's Amateur ahead of playing a round with his father on Sunday.

In previous years, McIlroy would typically arrive Sunday night or even Monday evening. This year, he wants to soak in every last moment he has as the reigning champion.

'I think for the past 17 years I just couldn't wait for the tournament to start, and this year I wouldn't care if the tournament never started,' he said with a laugh. 'It's completely different. I feel so much more relaxed. I know that I'm going to be coming back here for a lot of years, going to enjoy the perks that the champions get here.

'It doesn't make me any less motivated to go out there and play well and try to win the tournament, but yeah, just more relaxed about it all.'

McIlroy didn't elaborate on where those goal posts have shifted to in his mind, only that they 'keep nudging a little bit further and further out of reach.'

For so many years the story at Augusta National for McIlroy has been about when he was finally going to conquer the Masters. Twelve months after finally getting the job done, he was asked what he believes the story is this time around.

'I think the story as it relates to me is what do I do from now onwards? What motivates me? What gets me going? What do I still want to achieve in the game? I think that's the story,' he said.

One goal post that is right in front of him is successfully defending his Masters title. That feat has only been accomplished by three legends of the game: Jack Nicklaus in 1965-66, Nick Faldo in 1989-1990 and Tiger Woods in 2001-02. Only 18 players have won multiple Masters titles at any point in their careers.

That quest will begin at 10:31 a.m. on Thursday for McIlroy, when he tees off in the first round. But there is plenty to soak in before then, beginning with the Champions Dinner on Tuesday, followed by the Par 3 Contest on Wednesday. This year, he brought his daughter Poppy's putter from home for her to play with.

'I keep saying this, it's a dream come true. It's incredible,' McIlroy said of finally winning the Masters. 'I really tried to embrace and enjoy every part of it.'

And come the first tee on Thursday?

'I know that I can do it now,' he said. 'So that should make it a little easier for me to go out and play the golf I know I can play.'

--Derek Harper, Field Level Media