Rory McIlroy keeping special trinket close in bid for Masters repeat

Defending champion hopes sacred New Zealand greenstone will bring him good luck at Augusta National.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 7:33pm

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Rory McIlroy, the defending Masters champion, is keeping a sacred New Zealand greenstone called a pounamu close to him as he bids to become only the fourth player to win back-to-back green jackets at Augusta National Golf Club. McIlroy was given the pounamu by former New Zealand Prime Minister Sir John Key during a golf trip to New Zealand in 2024, and he wore it during his Masters victory last year. The Northern Irishman confirmed he will keep the stone in his bag as he tries to repeat as champion.

Why it matters

Superstitions and lucky charms are commonplace at the Masters, with many players believing certain rituals or items can help them win the coveted green jacket. McIlroy's decision to keep the pounamu close reflects his belief that the sacred stone may provide him an edge as he seeks to become the fourth player to win consecutive Masters titles, joining an elite group that includes Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, and Tiger Woods.

The details

McIlroy was presented the pounamu, a type of New Zealand greenstone considered sacred in Maori culture, by former Prime Minister Sir John Key during a golf trip to the country in December 2024. New Zealand native Ryan Fox, who was part of the same trip, also received a stone from Key and went on to win the Myrtle Beach Classic on the PGA Tour last May. McIlroy confirmed he will keep the pounamu in his bag as he bids to repeat as Masters champion.

  • McIlroy was given the pounamu by Sir John Key during a golf trip to New Zealand in December 2024.
  • McIlroy wore the pounamu while driving down Magnolia Lane each day during the 2025 Masters, where he won his first green jacket.
  • McIlroy arrived in Augusta on Saturday, April 5, 2026, ahead of his title defense.

The players

Rory McIlroy

The defending Masters champion, who is seeking to become only the fourth player to win back-to-back green jackets at Augusta National.

Sir John Key

A former Prime Minister of New Zealand and a member of Augusta National Golf Club, who gifted McIlroy the sacred pounamu greenstone during a golf trip in 2024.

Ryan Fox

A New Zealand professional golfer who was also part of the 2024 golf trip to New Zealand and received a pounamu greenstone from Sir John Key, which he wore on his way to winning the Myrtle Beach Classic on the PGA Tour in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“I'm going to keep it in the bag. I had such a great time on that trip. I've kept it all the way along. It's a cool link back to a great experience.”

— Rory McIlroy

What’s next

McIlroy will continue practicing at Augusta National in the days leading up to the start of the 2026 Masters tournament, where he will aim to become the fourth player to win consecutive green jackets.

The takeaway

McIlroy's decision to keep the sacred pounamu greenstone close as he defends his Masters title reflects the importance of superstitions and lucky charms in the sport of golf, especially at major championships like the Masters. The stone serves as a tangible connection to his memorable victory last year and the special trip to New Zealand that preceded it, providing the Northern Irishman with a sense of comfort and positive energy as he seeks to cement his place among the game's all-time greats.