Defending champion Rory McIlroy admits his feelings about the Masters have changed from relishing the start of the tournament to not wanting it to begin at all so he can eke out the very last remnants of his year with the green jacket.
The Irishman completed the career grand slam with an emotional play-off victory over Justin Rose 12 months ago and is seeking to become only the fourth man – and first in 24 years – after Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Nick Faldo to win back-to-back Masters titles.
He arrived at Augusta earlier than usual to perform a number of ceremonial duties as returning champion and that has changed his preparation but he remains confident going into Thursday.
"The best way I can describe it is I would never have gotten up (to Augusta) this early; never arrived on a Saturday, I'd usually arrive earliest Sunday night or Monday evening," he said.
"For the past 17 years I just could not wait for the tournament to start and this year I wouldn’t care if the tournament never started.
"It's completely different. I feel so much more relaxed as I know I’m coming back here for a number of years.
"It doesn’t make me any less motivated to go out and play the tournament."
In terms of what makes defending the title so difficult he added: "Probably the 90 other players that are in the field.
"It’s maybe not the largest field in golf but it’s the strongest; there are so many great players and so many players with so much experience on this golf course.
"It’s not quite like the other major championships. You get a lot of the same guys contending year in, year out.
"I feel comfortable on the golf course, feel comfortable with my game, and I know I can do it now so that should make it a little easier for me to go out and play the golf I want to play."
"It's been an amazing 12 months, bringing this [green jacket] all around the world..."
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) April 7, 2026
The tee times have been released for the 2026 US Masters and defending champ Rory McIlroy has been speaking to the press. #RTEgolf #USMasters pic.twitter.com/DNfWno7LfA
The closest McIlroy’s Ryder Cup team-mate Tommy Fleetwood has come at Augusta was joint-third two years ago but even he admits he was never in contention as an imperious Scottie Scheffler won by four shots.
"I would love to be there late on Sunday in with a chance, those juices flowing on the back nine of Augusta," said the Englishman.
"In 2024 I was very much on the outskirts. That’s the best finish I’ve had but Scottie was a long way in front. I was never really in contention.
"I was having a great week and I wanted to finish as strong as I could but I’ve never had that joy yet of playing on the back nine with a chance to win the Masters.
"I’d really love that so much."
Follow Live Updates of the 2026 Masters on rte.ie/sport from opening tee on Thursday 9 April.
