https://www.theguardian.com/sport/rory-mcilroy Rory McIlroy! en-gb Guardian News &amp; Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2026 Tue, 05 May 2026 11:03:45 GMT 2026-05-05T11:03:45Z en-gb Guardian News &amp; Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2026 https://assets.guim.co.uk/images/guardian-logo-rss.c45beb1bafa34b347ac333af2e6fe23f.png https://www.theguardian.com https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/13/rory-mcilroy-says-preparation-at-home-course-augusta-eased-masters-defence <ul><li><p>Northern Irishman praises ‘good blueprint’ from Nicklaus</p></li><li><p>Scottie Scheffler ‘surprised’ by conditions on Friday</p></li></ul><p>Rory McIlroy has explained how weeks of preparation at “home course” Augusta National after advice from Jack Nicklaus played a substantial role in his <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/13/rory-mcilroy-wins-masters-again-augusta-national-golf">successful ­Masters defence</a>.</p><p>Rather than play in PGA Tour events in the lead up to the Masters and despite a back injury causing him competitive disruption, McIlroy spent considerable time at Augusta in the lead-up to the Masters. On one occasion, it is understood he played the front nine in 29 when playing with a single ball.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/13/rory-mcilroy-says-preparation-at-home-course-augusta-eased-masters-defence">Continue reading...</a> Rory McIlroy The Masters Golf Sport Mon, 13 Apr 2026 20:35:47 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/13/rory-mcilroy-says-preparation-at-home-course-augusta-eased-masters-defence Photograph: Héctor Vivas/Getty Images Photograph: Héctor Vivas/Getty Images Photograph: Héctor Vivas/Getty Images Ewan Murray at Augusta National 2026-04-13T20:35:47Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/13/rory-mcilroy-wins-golf-successor-seve-ballesteros-masters <p>Northern Irishman moves the needle like no one else in his sport, even more so after his thrilling Masters defence</p><p>Levels of greatness need not always be defined by numbers. Nick Faldo’s six majors to Rory McIlroy’s five prior to events at Augusta National on Sunday gave the Englishman the edge in the eyes of many in respect of Europe’s finest ever golfer. That McIlroy had already won the career <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/apr/14/rory-mcilroy-secures-career-grand-slam-after-dramatic-masters-playoff-win-over-justin-rose">grand slam of majors</a>, therefore passing every test his sport has to offer, meant he was more worthy of the crown. Those who want to add Harry Vardon and a bygone age to the conversation should check the Jersey man’s scoring for his septet of major wins.</p><p>It is the nature of McIlroy’s achievement that sets him apart. Retaining the Masters for major No 6 places McIlroy in lofty company – Faldo, Phil Mickelson and Lee Trevino. He is suddenly one shy of Arnold Palmer. Gary Player and the non-US record of nine is a legitimate goal. Yet watching McIlroy right until the final hole at Augusta National served as a reminder that it is the addictive, thrilling style of his output that is worthy of the highest praise. The Northern Irishman was half a hole from Masters glory, shunting galleries back 50 yards so he could visualise a recovery shot from a forest. Love or loathe McIlroy, you simply cannot take eyes off him.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/13/rory-mcilroy-wins-golf-successor-seve-ballesteros-masters">Continue reading...</a> The Masters Rory McIlroy Golf Sport US sports Mon, 13 Apr 2026 16:53:32 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/13/rory-mcilroy-wins-golf-successor-seve-ballesteros-masters Photograph: Andrew Redington/Getty Images Photograph: Andrew Redington/Getty Images Photograph: Andrew Redington/Getty Images Ewan Murray in Augusta 2026-04-13T16:53:32Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/13/rory-mcilroy-hails-his-parents-after-second-masters-triumph <p>Golfer puts spotlight on Rosie and Gerry McIlroy’s sacrifices to support his dream in emotional victory speech</p><p>In a sport filled with pushy parents the McIlroys do things differently: Rory McIlroy had to push his parents to attend the scene of his greatest triumph.</p><p>Rosie and Gerry McIlroy feared their presence might jinx their son’s defence of the Masters, so they planned to steer clear of Augusta National.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/13/rory-mcilroy-hails-his-parents-after-second-masters-triumph">Continue reading...</a> Rory McIlroy Northern Ireland The Masters Golf UK news Mon, 13 Apr 2026 13:17:52 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/13/rory-mcilroy-hails-his-parents-after-second-masters-triumph Photograph: Petter Arvidson/BILDBYRÅN/Shutterstock Photograph: Petter Arvidson/BILDBYRÅN/Shutterstock Photograph: Petter Arvidson/BILDBYRÅN/Shutterstock Rory Carroll Ireland correspondent 2026-04-13T13:17:52Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/13/donald-trump-brands-rory-mcilroy-a-legend-after-second-masters-triumph <ul><li><p>US president praises 36-year-old’s victory under pressure</p></li><li><p>McIlroy beat world No 1 Scottie Scheffler by one shot</p></li></ul><p>Donald Trump called Rory McIlroy a “legend” as the United States president congratulated the Northern Irishman on his second Masters title. McIlroy held on for a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/13/rory-mcilroy-wins-masters-again-augusta-national-golf">one-shot victory over America’s world No 1 Scottie Scheffler</a>, becoming the fourth player in the tournament’s 90-year history to win successive titles at Augusta.</p><p>Trump, who has played with McIlroy in the past, used his Truth Social platform to send a message to the 36-year-old. “Congratulations to Rory McIlroy on another Great Championship, The Masters!” Trump wrote.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/13/donald-trump-brands-rory-mcilroy-a-legend-after-second-masters-triumph">Continue reading...</a> The Masters Donald Trump Rory McIlroy Golf Sport US sports PGA Tour European Tour Mon, 13 Apr 2026 10:01:12 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/13/donald-trump-brands-rory-mcilroy-a-legend-after-second-masters-triumph Photograph: John Angelillo/UPI/Shutterstock Photograph: John Angelillo/UPI/Shutterstock Photograph: John Angelillo/UPI/Shutterstock PA Media 2026-04-13T10:01:12Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/video/2026/apr/13/good-things-come-to-those-who-wait-rory-mcilroy-becomes-repeat-masters-champion-on-final-day <p>Rory McIlroy has warned the rest of elite golf he will set further, lofty goals in his sport after a successful defence of the Masters.</p><p>McIlroy <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/13/rory-mcilroy-wins-masters-again-augusta-national-golf">prevailed at Augusta National</a> by a shot over Scottie Scheffler, making the Northern Irishman just the fourth golfer in history to win the tournament back-to-back. While McIlroy will cherish his win, he has no plans to rest on his laurels.</p><p>'I’ve waited so long to win the Masters and all of a sudden I win two in a row. So I still want to enjoy it. I’ve got a couple of weeks off before I go back to playing competitive golf but I don’t think I’ll go through that lull of motivation or the sort of things that I was feeling last year post winning this tournament.'</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/13/rory-mcilroy-back-to-back-masters-winner-titles"><strong>Rory McIlroy targets even loftier goals after winning back-to-back Masters titles</strong></a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/13/rory-mcilroy-wins-masters-again-augusta-national-golf"><strong>Rory McIlroy holds nerve to be the Master again as rivals succumb to tension</strong></a></p></li></ul> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/video/2026/apr/13/good-things-come-to-those-who-wait-rory-mcilroy-becomes-repeat-masters-champion-on-final-day">Continue reading...</a> The Masters Rory McIlroy Golf European Tour PGA Tour Mon, 13 Apr 2026 09:58:24 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/video/2026/apr/13/good-things-come-to-those-who-wait-rory-mcilroy-becomes-repeat-masters-champion-on-final-day Photograph: BILDBYRÅN/Shutterstock Photograph: BILDBYRÅN/Shutterstock Photograph: BILDBYRÅN/Shutterstock 2026-04-13T09:58:24Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/13/rory-mcilroy-back-to-back-masters-winner-titles <ul><li><p>Northern Irishman vows not to rest on laurels after his sixth major win</p></li><li><p>Player ‘not as emotional’ as last year but revels in ‘amazing’ win</p></li></ul><p>Rory McIlroy has warned the rest of elite golf he will set further, lofty goals in his sport after a successful defence of the Masters.</p><p>McIlroy <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/13/rory-mcilroy-wins-masters-again-augusta-national-golf">prevailed at Augusta National</a> by a shot over Scottie Scheffler, meaning the Northern Irishman becomes just the fourth golfer to win the tournament back-to-back. While McIlroy will cherish his win, he has no plans to rest on his laurels.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/13/rory-mcilroy-back-to-back-masters-winner-titles">Continue reading...</a> The Masters Rory McIlroy European Tour PGA Tour Golf Sport US sports Mon, 13 Apr 2026 00:58:21 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/13/rory-mcilroy-back-to-back-masters-winner-titles Photograph: Ashley Landis/AP Photograph: Ashley Landis/AP Photograph: Ashley Landis/AP Ewan Murray at Augusta National 2026-04-13T00:58:21Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2026/apr/12/golf-the-masters-2026-final-round-live <p>️ Rory McIlroy became just the fourth player in history to win consecutive Green Jackets<br>️ <a href="https://www.masters.com/leaderboard">Official Leader Board</a></p><p><strong>Marco Penge was making a good fist of his Masters debut.</strong> Especially as the 27-year-old from Crawley, the reigning Spanish Open champion, took a triple-bogey eight at the 2nd on Thursday. Not the most auspicious start to his Augusta National career, but he limited the first-round damage to 76, then shot 69 and 71. Sadly his final round isn’t going so well, and he’s just dumped two balls in the water at the iconic par-three 12th, the first spinning back off the bank, the second from the dropzone not even getting over to dry land before dunking into the drink. A quadruple-bogey seven. He isn’t the first, he won’t be the last, and things could have gotten a whole lot worse, just ask the Towering Inferno …</p><p><strong>Bogey at the last for Jon Rahm.</strong> A diminuendo end to a fine round of 68. You have to wonder how much buyer’s remorse Rahmbo has for joining the LIV tour: the 2021 US Open champion and 2023 Masters winner has never been the same player since. Still, his recovery this week from an opening round of 78 will give him a little succour. He ends his week at +1, one shy of the current clubhouse leader Gary Woodland.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2026/apr/12/golf-the-masters-2026-final-round-live">Continue reading...</a> The Masters Sport US sports Golf PGA Tour European Tour Rory McIlroy Sun, 12 Apr 2026 23:36:58 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2026/apr/12/golf-the-masters-2026-final-round-live Photograph: Brian Snyder/Reuters Photograph: Brian Snyder/Reuters Photograph: Brian Snyder/Reuters Scott Murray 2026-04-12T23:36:58Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/13/rory-mcilroy-ignores-jack-nicklauss-advice-and-tames-augustas-terrible-12th <p>Tom Watson wants to fill in the creek in front. The Golden Bear says play safe if the pin is on the right. McIlroy defied conventional wisdom and won</p><p>There’s hot and then there’s the back nine on Sunday here when there are five players within two shots of the lead. The TV weathermen reckoned it was 30C, but then they weren’t at Amen Corner when Rory McIlroy was standing on the tee at Augusta National’s 12th hole, that little rinky-dink 155-yard par three, tied for the lead and waiting for the wind to drop long enough that he could get his shot off.</p><p>Four days ago, they asked Tom Watson the one change he would make to the course if he could. He didn’t blink. “I’d fill in that creek in front of No 12.” “Touché” said Gary Player. “Good move,” added Jack Nicklaus.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/13/rory-mcilroy-ignores-jack-nicklauss-advice-and-tames-augustas-terrible-12th">Continue reading...</a> The Masters Rory McIlroy Golf Sport European Tour PGA Tour US sports Tom Watson Sun, 12 Apr 2026 23:24:21 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/13/rory-mcilroy-ignores-jack-nicklauss-advice-and-tames-augustas-terrible-12th Photograph: John Angelillo/UPI/Shutterstock Photograph: John Angelillo/UPI/Shutterstock Photograph: John Angelillo/UPI/Shutterstock Andy Bull at Augusta National 2026-04-12T23:24:21Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/13/rory-mcilroy-wins-masters-again-augusta-national-golf <ul><li><p>Winner joins Nicklaus, Faldo and Woods in retaining title</p></li><li><p>McIlroy triumphs on 12 under by one shot from Scottie Scheffler</p></li></ul><p>You are left wondering how on earth Augusta National managed to inflict such psychological torture on Rory McIlroy for all those years. Or maybe that is precisely the point, that ­<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/apr/14/rory-mcilroy-secures-career-grand-slam-after-dramatic-masters-playoff-win-over-justin-rose">McIlroy’s ending of his Masters misery in 2025</a> placed him into a fresh head space where failure is not an option.</p><p>It turns out Green Jackets are like London buses. Back where he became the sixth man in history to complete a career grand slam, McIlroy entered the record books once more. He is now the fourth to successfully defend the Masters, after Jack ­Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods. As a six-time major winner, he has surpassed Seve Ballesteros.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/13/rory-mcilroy-wins-masters-again-augusta-national-golf">Continue reading...</a> The Masters Rory McIlroy Scottie Scheffler Justin Rose Golf European Tour PGA Tour US sports Sport Sun, 12 Apr 2026 23:10:29 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/13/rory-mcilroy-wins-masters-again-augusta-national-golf Photograph: John Angelillo/UPI/Shutterstock Photograph: John Angelillo/UPI/Shutterstock Photograph: John Angelillo/UPI/Shutterstock Ewan Murray at Augusta National 2026-04-12T23:10:29Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/12/rory-mcilroy-aims-for-free-state-of-mind-in-final-round-of-masters-after-losing-six-shot-lead <ul><li><p>McIlroy visibly short of his best during one-over par 73</p></li><li><p>‘I wish I was a few shots better off but I’m comfortable’</p></li></ul><p>Rory McIlroy hopes to benefit from a “freer” state of mind on the final day of the Masters, despite the defending champion conceding he will have to improve markedly from round three to retain the Green Jacket. McIlroy saw <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/12/cameron-young-reels-in-rory-mcilroy-with-pack-on-their-tails-for-masters-finale">his six-stroke lead evaporate</a> on Saturday, meaning he enters the fourth round in a tie with Cameron Young at the top of the leaderboard. McIlroy was visibly short of his best during a one-over-par 73.</p><p>The Northern Irishman can, however, pull upon the glory of 2025 at the same venue. “I’d like to think that I’ll play a little bit freer and I’ll play, like I’ve already got a Green Jacket, which I do,” McIlroy said. “Sometimes I maybe just have to remind myself of that. The pairing will be just a little bit easier, the atmosphere out there will be a little bit easier.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/12/rory-mcilroy-aims-for-free-state-of-mind-in-final-round-of-masters-after-losing-six-shot-lead">Continue reading...</a> The Masters Rory McIlroy Golf European Tour PGA Tour US sports Sport Sun, 12 Apr 2026 00:24:38 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/12/rory-mcilroy-aims-for-free-state-of-mind-in-final-round-of-masters-after-losing-six-shot-lead Photograph: Chris Torres/EPA Photograph: Chris Torres/EPA Photograph: Chris Torres/EPA Ewan Murray at Augusta National 2026-04-12T00:24:38Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/12/cameron-young-reels-in-rory-mcilroy-with-pack-on-their-tails-for-masters-finale <ul><li><p>McIlroy’s 73 leaves him tied on 11 under after Young’s 65</p></li><li><p>Lowry, Rose and Scheffler among nine within five shots</p></li></ul><p>Rory McIlroy began this Masters in the company of Cameron Young and will finish it in the company of Cameron Young. McIlroy arrived at this tournament as the holder of the Green Jacket. By Sunday night he will …? Goodness only knows. Day three proved predictions are a fool’s errand at the Masters.</p><p>Such drama played out at Augusta National on Saturday that by close of play it was extraordinary to see McIlroy’s name still atop the leaderboard, albeit now with Young for company. Both are 11 under par. From holding a six-shot lead at the start of the round – and eight over Young – McIlroy inexplicably wobbled. His 73 was one involving intense struggle. “I knew today wouldn’t be easy,” said McIlroy. “I didn’t quite have it today. I’ll need to be better tomorrow.”</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/12/cameron-young-reels-in-rory-mcilroy-with-pack-on-their-tails-for-masters-finale">Continue reading...</a> The Masters PGA Tour European Tour Golf US sports Sport Rory McIlroy Justin Rose Sat, 11 Apr 2026 23:27:57 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/12/cameron-young-reels-in-rory-mcilroy-with-pack-on-their-tails-for-masters-finale Photograph: Erik S Lesser/EPA Photograph: Erik S Lesser/EPA Photograph: Erik S Lesser/EPA Ewan Murray at Augusta National 2026-04-11T23:27:57Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2026/apr/11/the-masters-2026-day-three-golf-updates-from-augusta-national-rory-mcilroy-live <p>Cameron Young shot 65 to wipe out Rory McIlroy’s big lead on Moving Day at Augusta National. Scott Murray was watching</p><p><strong>Max Homa led at this stage two years ago, ending the week in third spot after falling away over the weekend with a pair of 73s.</strong> Undaunted, he came back last year, and tied for 12th. The 35-year-old Californian has fallen in love with Augusta National late in life, and he’s going well again this week. Birdies at 1 and 2 have whisked him up the standings to -4.</p><p><strong>While we’re waiting for the leading players to take to the course, we’ve got time to indulge in a wee spot of Masters nostalgia.</strong> This episode of This Golfing Life, a wonderful new golf podcast hosted by the award-winning journalist and author Dan Davies, dives deep into the career of the 1980 and 1983 champion, the legendary Seve Ballesteros, and comes much recommended. (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9KDb8rCvAY">Fans of Paddington and Maurice Flitcroft may enjoy this episode too.</a>) Get on it!</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2026/apr/11/the-masters-2026-day-three-golf-updates-from-augusta-national-rory-mcilroy-live">Continue reading...</a> The Masters Golf European Tour PGA Tour US sports Sport Rory McIlroy Justin Rose Sat, 11 Apr 2026 23:04:50 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2026/apr/11/the-masters-2026-day-three-golf-updates-from-augusta-national-rory-mcilroy-live Photograph: Héctor Vivas/Getty Images Photograph: Héctor Vivas/Getty Images Photograph: Héctor Vivas/Getty Images Scott Murray 2026-04-11T23:04:50Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/10/rory-mcilroy-practice-augusta-national-masters-lead <ul><li><p>McIlroy skipped PGA Tour events to practise at Augusta</p></li><li><p>Defending champion <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/11/rory-mcilroy-six-shot-masters-lead--stunning-second-round-golf">has six-shot lead</a> after two rounds</p></li></ul><p>Rory McIlroy has explained how scouting trips to Augusta National in the weeks leading up to the Masters have played a significant role in his domination of this staging of the major. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/11/rory-mcilroy-six-shot-masters-lead--stunning-second-round-golf">McIlroy’s second round of 65</a> – which included six birdies in the closing seven holes – set a Masters record, with the defending champion the first man to lead the tournament by six at the halfway point.</p><p>Entering the Masters, it was assumed McIlroy’s three-week break from PGA Tour business was to conserve energy. Instead, he made smart use of his private jet as he looks to become just the fourth golfer to win back-to-back Masters titles.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/10/rory-mcilroy-practice-augusta-national-masters-lead">Continue reading...</a> The Masters Rory McIlroy Golf US sports Sport European Tour PGA Tour Sat, 11 Apr 2026 00:32:15 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/10/rory-mcilroy-practice-augusta-national-masters-lead Photograph: Mike Blake/Reuters Photograph: Mike Blake/Reuters Photograph: Mike Blake/Reuters Ewan Murray at Augusta National 2026-04-11T00:32:15Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/11/rory-mcilroy-six-shot-masters-lead--stunning-second-round-golf <ul><li><p>Six birdies in final seven holes for defending champion</p></li><li><p>Burns and Reed at -6, Rose, Lowry and Fleetwood at -5</p></li></ul><p>After spending 16 years as the hunter, Rory McIlroy is relishing his position as the hunted. The defending Masters champion has reached the halfway point of the 2026 staging in a style that asserts his desperation to hang on to the Green Jacket. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/mar/18/rory-mcilroy-puts-elk-on-masters-champions-dinner-menu-augusta-golf">Elk, served as sliders</a> in the 36-year-old’s champions dinner on Tuesday evening, were seen diving for cover in mountainous regions as McIlroy placed daylight between himself and pretenders to his throne.</p><p>McIlroy <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/apr/14/rory-mcilroy-secures-career-grand-slam-after-dramatic-masters-playoff-win-over-justin-rose">won at Augusta National in 2025</a> and eventually discovered that was not his final career destination after all. He is now 36 holes from becoming only the fourth man in history to back up a Masters win with a Masters win. McIlroy’s distinctly relaxed state of mind means only the bold will back against him from here. Even the prospect of falling short is unlikely to perturb McIlroy. He did quite enough of that in earlier years before rebounding in ferocious fashion. A grand slam winner has a mindset to match.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/11/rory-mcilroy-six-shot-masters-lead--stunning-second-round-golf">Continue reading...</a> The Masters Rory McIlroy Golf European Tour PGA Tour US sports Sport Fri, 10 Apr 2026 23:04:16 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/11/rory-mcilroy-six-shot-masters-lead--stunning-second-round-golf Photograph: Kylie Cooper/Reuters Photograph: Kylie Cooper/Reuters Photograph: Kylie Cooper/Reuters Ewan Murray at Augusta National 2026-04-10T23:04:16Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/10/golf-masters-first-round-rory-mcilroy-sam-burns-augusta <ul><li><p>Champion shares lead with Sam Burns after opening 67</p></li><li><p>McIlroy: ‘I was nervous, I was anxious like I always am’</p></li></ul><p>So this is what Rory McIlroy’s new normal looks like. The defending champion is footloose and fancy-free at Augusta National. He is plainly no longer of a mind to revel in the events of the 2025 Masters. McIlroy returned to Augusta, for so long a place that exacted psychological torture on him, to deliver an emphatic statement. The floodgates are wobbling.</p><p>Parallels between McIlroy on day one at this major and his win 12 months ago are valid. In both instances he played swashbuckling, theatric golf (and not always from fairways). Rafa Nadal, anxious to watch every swing from the galleries, must have admired what he witnessed. After round one, McIlroy is firmly on course to become only the fourth man to successfully defend at Augusta. Those who believed the 36-year-old’s history-making concluded with playoff glory over Justin Rose last year may be sorely mistaken.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/10/golf-masters-first-round-rory-mcilroy-sam-burns-augusta">Continue reading...</a> The Masters Rory McIlroy Golf European Tour PGA Tour Sport US sports Thu, 09 Apr 2026 23:03:53 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/10/golf-masters-first-round-rory-mcilroy-sam-burns-augusta Photograph: Chris Torres/EPA Photograph: Chris Torres/EPA Photograph: Chris Torres/EPA Ewan Murray at Augusta National 2026-04-09T23:03:53Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/09/rory-mcilroy-augusta-masters-golf <p>No longer like a man carrying a vase across a slippery floor, the 2025 winner uses attack as the best form of defence</p><p>Can Rory McIlroy win back-to-back Masters titles? Jack Nicklaus will tell you that McIlroy’s already done the hardest part. “Well, the key is to win two years in a row,” Nicklaus said with a grin after hitting the honorary tee shot on Thursday morning, “and I think Rory’s the only one that’s got a chance to do that this year.” Nicklaus did it back in 1965 and ’66. “Rory’s talented enough,” he added. “Now he’s got that monkey off his back, I think he has a very, very good chance to repeat.”</p><p>In his first 17 years coming here, McIlroy played Augusta National just about every which way he could think of: he’s attacked it, endured it, and overthought it, played it carelessly, played it cautiously, and played it consideredly. The one thing we had never seen was how he would go about it once he had finally won the thing. Turns out the answer is he would do it with a big grin and a hell of a swing. His very first shot at Augusta as Masters champion, at 10.30am on a bright, blue and dry Augusta morning, was a whistling 332-yard drive that carried the entire hill and shot off into the gallery over the left side of the fairway.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/09/rory-mcilroy-augusta-masters-golf">Continue reading...</a> Rory McIlroy The Masters Golf US sports Sport PGA Tour European Tour Thu, 09 Apr 2026 21:32:22 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/09/rory-mcilroy-augusta-masters-golf Photograph: Brian Snyder/Reuters Photograph: Brian Snyder/Reuters Photograph: Brian Snyder/Reuters Andy Bull at Augusta National 2026-04-09T21:32:22Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/07/rory-mcilroy-a-lot-more-relaxed-and-aiming-to-repeat-last-years-masters-success <p>The defending champion is a lot more relaxed but ‘just as motivated’ this year after finally winning at Augusta</p><p>On the Tuesday of last year’s Masters, Rory McIlroy dined with Justin Rose in the clubhouse at Augusta. He arrived right around the time that all the guests at Scottie Scheffler’s champions dinner were having cocktails on the balcony. “I was pulling up Magnolia Lane,” McIlroy says. “And I’m like, well, do I go and park way over at the parking lot? Because I’m not going to park in the champions parking lot.’”</p><p>Not when there’s Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and everyone else looking down. “I didn’t want to get out and use a valet because they were going to see me and it was going to be weird. So I had this really awkward moment,” McIlroy says with a laugh. “Thankfully that was the last time that I needed to do that.”</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/07/rory-mcilroy-a-lot-more-relaxed-and-aiming-to-repeat-last-years-masters-success">Continue reading...</a> The Masters Rory McIlroy Golf European Tour PGA Tour US sports Sport Tue, 07 Apr 2026 20:12:47 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/07/rory-mcilroy-a-lot-more-relaxed-and-aiming-to-repeat-last-years-masters-success Photograph: Mike Blake/Reuters Photograph: Mike Blake/Reuters Photograph: Mike Blake/Reuters Andy Bull at Augusta National 2026-04-07T20:12:47Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/03/rory-mcilroy-masters-defence-staying-motivated-golf-interview <p>Northern Irishman bristles at suggestions he has peaked as he returns to Augusta with the same intensity as always</p><p>It was an opening which depicted more than a decade of toil. “I’d like to start this press conference with a question,” said Rory McIlroy. “What are we all going to talk about next year?”</p><p>The wait was over. McIlroy had not only <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/apr/14/rory-mcilroy-justin-rose-masters-2025-final-round-augusta">won the Masters</a>, not only ended an 11-year wait for a fifth major, and not only become the sixth man in history to complete a grand slam. The ticking of all three boxes at once and in extraordinary circumstances was why the scenes at Augusta National in 2025 are unlikely to be matched as the 90th Masters staging approaches.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/03/rory-mcilroy-masters-defence-staying-motivated-golf-interview">Continue reading...</a> Rory McIlroy Golf The Masters Sport US sports Fri, 03 Apr 2026 18:00:01 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/03/rory-mcilroy-masters-defence-staying-motivated-golf-interview Photograph: Jared C Tilton/Getty Images Photograph: Jared C Tilton/Getty Images Photograph: Jared C Tilton/Getty Images Exclusive interview by Ewan Murray 2026-04-03T18:00:01Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/mar/18/rory-mcilroy-puts-elk-on-masters-champions-dinner-menu-augusta-golf <ul><li><p>Reigning champion reveals elk helped fuel 2025 win</p></li><li><p>Champ, a traditional Northern Irish side, is an accompaniment</p></li></ul><p>Elk as the key to Masters success: who had any i-deer? Rory McIlroy will serve starters made from the meat of the North American animal at Augusta National next month in tribute to his food of choice before <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/dec/25/i-was-there-mcilroy-clinches-golf-grand-slam-with-long-coveted-masters-win">winning the Masters last year</a>.</p><p>The wine McIlroy drank to toast victory, food that conjures ­memories of his childhood in Belfast and a dish made by his mother, Rosie, also ­feature in the ­Masters ­champion’s dinner for 2026. In a nod to the venue’s attention to detail, McIlroy revealed that chefs from Augusta made a special visit to a New York restaurant to replicate his favourite tuna recipe.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/mar/18/rory-mcilroy-puts-elk-on-masters-champions-dinner-menu-augusta-golf">Continue reading...</a> Rory McIlroy Golf Sport The Masters PGA Tour Wed, 18 Mar 2026 17:32:46 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/mar/18/rory-mcilroy-puts-elk-on-masters-champions-dinner-menu-augusta-golf Photograph: Augusta National/Getty Images Photograph: Augusta National/Getty Images Photograph: Augusta National/Getty Images Ewan Murray 2026-03-18T17:32:46Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/mar/16/rory-mcilroy-playing-schedule-back-injury-masters-golf <ul><li><p>‘We’ll see how I feel in practice,’ says world No 2</p></li><li><p>McIlroy hampered by back injury before Players Championship</p></li></ul><p>Rory McIlroy will weigh up whether to play another event before the defence of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/apr/14/rory-mcilroy-secures-career-grand-slam-after-dramatic-masters-playoff-win-over-justin-rose">his Masters title</a> next month after an underwhelming outing at the Players Championship. He was the defending champion at TPC Sawgrass, but his <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/mar/11/liv-to-remain-frozen-out-of-players-championship-says-pga-tour-chief-executive">preparation was hampered</a> by a back injury and he finished in a disappointing <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/mar/15/cameron-young-matt-fitzpatrick-players-championship-golf">tie for 46th</a> on Sunday.</p><p>“I’ll see how my body feels,” said the world No 2. “We’ll see how I feel in practice and at home and if I get itchy feet at home maybe add an event at some point.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/mar/16/rory-mcilroy-playing-schedule-back-injury-masters-golf">Continue reading...</a> Rory McIlroy The Masters Golf PGA Tour Sport US sports Mon, 16 Mar 2026 12:34:19 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/mar/16/rory-mcilroy-playing-schedule-back-injury-masters-golf Photograph: James Gilbert/Getty Images Photograph: James Gilbert/Getty Images Photograph: James Gilbert/Getty Images PA Media 2026-03-16T12:34:19Z