Rory McIlroy makes 'hopeful' admission as he prepares for Masters defence

Callum Vurley
Sun, 05 Apr 2026 15:43:45 +0000

Rory McIlroy will attempt to join one of golf's most exclusive clubs when the 90th Masters gets underway at Augusta National on Thursday.

The 36-year-old Northern Irishman is chasing a feat accomplished by only three players in the tournament's history.

Jack Nicklaus claimed consecutive green jackets in 1965 and 1966, Nick Faldo repeated the achievement in 1989 and 1990, whilst Tiger Woods managed it in 2001 and 2002.

"I know defending the Masters tournament is a pretty rare feat, and it's something I'd love to do," McIlroy said.

"I've won it once and I feel like that will make it a bit easier for me to win again."

His emotional triumph last April completed a career Grand Slam, placing him alongside Nicklaus, Woods, Gary Player, Ben Hogan and Gene Sarazen.

Before the serious competition begins, McIlroy is savouring the privileges that come with being the reigning champion.

One particular highlight sees him taking his father Gerry out for a round at Augusta today.

"I get to play golf here with my dad tomorrow, which will be a really cool experience for both of us," McIlroy said on Saturday, dressed in his green jacket.

The Champions Dinner on Tuesday evening represents another special occasion for the defending titleholder.

"I think the first few days, it is all about enjoying [it]," he explained. "I don't want to say basking in, but enjoying what I did last year, enjoying the perks, being able to play with my dad, being able to go to the Champions Dinner on Tuesday night."

The mental switch will come on Wednesday, according to McIlroy.

"I think once Tuesday night's over, serious business begins," he stated.

The Par-3 contest that day will still have a family flavour, with Poppy and Erica joining him on the course.

"Obviously, we're going to have fun at the Par-3 with Poppy and Erica and all that," McIlroy said. "But I think there will hopefully be a mind-shift change on Wednesday where I'm really just focused on the tournament and trying to win another Masters."

The Holywood star has confirmed he has recovered from a back injury that forced his withdrawal from Bay Hill last month.

Wearing the green jacket remains a thrill for the defending champion.

"It's a dream come true," he said. "I'm pretty sure it won't get old."

World number one Scottie Scheffler enters the tournament as a marginal favourite over McIlroy in the betting markets.

The American two-time Masters winner claimed the American Express title in January and secured both the Open Championship and PGA Championship last year.

Tiger Woods will be absent from Augusta after pleading not guilty to drink-driving charges following a car crash on 27 March.

"I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health," the 15-time major champion said.

Several Americans with multiple major victories are pursuing their first green jacket, including Justin Thomas, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Xander Schauffele and Collin Morikawa.

LIV Golf's DeChambeau and Jon Rahm have impressed bookmakers following recent victories.

Matt Fitzpatrick arrives in confident mood after winning the Valspar Championship.