Rory McIlroy is hoping to make more history after completing the career grand slam last year
Rory McIlroy will make his way down Magnolia Lane at Augusta National as a Masters champion for the first time, and he’s determined to savour every moment.
Yet, despite becoming only the sixth golfer to complete the career grand slam by claiming his green jacket, the Holywood man’s competitive fire remains as fierce as ever.
In fact, having finally triumphed at his 17th attempt, McIlroy is convinced that winning it a second time will prove less challenging.
“This is going to be the first time I drive down Magnolia Lane and it’s all going to be about enjoying my week,” said the world number two.
“You know, enjoying the perks that come along with being a Masters champion: having a parking space in the champions car park to using the champions locker room, hosting the dinner on Tuesday night.”
However, once Thursday’s formalities conclude, McIlroy will shift into competition mode as he attempts to emulate Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Nick Faldo – aiming to become the first golfer in 24 years to secure consecutive victories.
While his performances in two tournaments last month were somewhat underwhelming, McIlroy is banking on the emotional significance of returning to the scene of arguably his greatest triumph to compensate.
“I’ve won it once, and I feel like that will make it a bit easier for me to win again,” he added.
“I don’t think there was any round of golf that I’d played before that can compare to the feelings and the emotions I went through that Sunday.”
The pressure may be slightly reduced, but he’ll still be anticipated to challenge strongly, much like world number one Scottie Scheffler, a two-time Masters winner, whose recent form has been more erratic than at any point over the past two years.
He withdrew from the Texas Children’s Houston Open in his home state as his wife Meredith is due to give birth to their second child, and if he’s searching for a positive sign, their son Bennett arrived just weeks following his second Masters triumph in 2024.
Time spent at home, which he prioritises above all else, might provide him with a chance to refocus, and despite his impressive Augusta record – finishes of fourth, first, 10th and first in his last four outings – opponents may see this as a potential weakness to exploit.
Among those keen to capitalise will be Bryson DeChambeau. Paired with McIlroy in the final group 12 months ago, his hopes ended in disaster when a double-bogey at the 11th left him four strokes behind his playing partner.
The American, who has toned down his bold talk since confidently declaring before the 2020 event that he viewed Augusta National as a par 67 owing to his power off the tee, at least arrives with momentum after consecutive victories on the LIV Golf circuit, though how effectively that has readied him for this challenge is still up for discussion, with doubts continuing about the standard of the Saudi-backed tour.
His LIV colleague Jon Rahm has also shown strong form and, in contrast to DeChambeau, already knows what it’s like to slip on the green jacket, having won in 2023 before making the switch.
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