Rory McIlroy is ‘enjoying the perks’ of being back at Augusta National ahead of the 2026 Masters tournament.
The 36-year-old will be seeking to defend his crown next weekend, after last year’s heroics earned him a career Grand Slam.
McIlroy joined an elite group of only five other golfers who have won all four majors, finally securing the Green Jacket after so many years of trying.
The Irishman now has the chance to join an even smaller elite group, potentially becoming just the fourth golfer to successfully defend his title.
Despite next week being the 90th edition of the tournament, only three icons have won the Masters on back-to-back occasions.
They are Jack Nicklaus in 1965 and 1966, Nick Faldo in 1989 and 1990, and Tiger Woods in 2001 and 2002.
If McIlroy joins this legendary group, it would significantly help his case as one of the greatest the sport has ever seen.
However, for now, he is simply ‘enjoying the perks’ of being back in Georgia.
Speaking at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur (ANWA), McIlroy said: ‘I think the first few days, it is all about enjoying [it].
‘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.
‘I think once Tuesday night’s over, serious business begins. 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.
‘It’s a dream come true [to wear the green jacket at Augusta].
‘I’ve gotten up here quite a bit over the last few weeks. I know this is just my first year coming back and doing it all in the green jacket, but I’m pretty sure it won’t get old.’
The ANWA was won by Maria Jose Marin of Colombia on Saturday, as she set a new tournament record by two strokes.
The 19-year-old went into the final round one shot off the leader Asterisk Talley and 10 under par.
The 17-year-old’s collapse on the back nine opened the door for Marin to hit home a 68 for her major victory.
