Rory McIlroy Dramatically Changed His Masters Prep Routine

The four-time major champion spent extensive time at Augusta National in the weeks leading up to the tournament.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 3:19pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting Rory McIlroy's golf swing and movements on the Augusta National course, with sharp planes of emerald green, azalea pink, and bright white.Rory McIlroy's unconventional Masters prep routine has him poised to defend his title at Augusta National.Houston Today

Rory McIlroy, the four-time major champion, took an unconventional approach to preparing for the 2026 Masters, opting to make multiple visits to Augusta National in the weeks leading up to the tournament rather than playing in PGA Tour events. This strategy paid off, as McIlroy opened with scores of 67-65 to take a record-setting six-shot 36-hole lead.

Why it matters

McIlroy's decision to forgo his usual pre-Masters tournament schedule and instead focus on extensive practice rounds at Augusta National highlights his commitment to mastering the challenging course. This approach contrasts with his past preparation methods and could set a new standard for how top players approach the year's first major championship.

The details

In the past, McIlroy would often enter a PGA Tour event ahead of the Masters. This year, he changed it up, making several visits to play Augusta National in the weeks leading up to the tournament. McIlroy said he spent time 'practicing and chipping and putting around greens, and then just playing one ball and shooting scores and ending up in weird places' to better familiarize himself with the course. The extra time at Augusta paid off, as McIlroy opened the tournament with a pair of stellar rounds to take a commanding lead.

  • McIlroy made visits to Augusta National the week prior to the Masters, including Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
  • McIlroy also visited Augusta National the week before that, including a one-day trip.
  • McIlroy did not play in any PGA Tour events in the weeks leading up to the Masters, unlike his usual pre-tournament schedule.

The players

Rory McIlroy

A four-time major champion and one of the top golfers in the world, who is the defending champion at the 2026 Masters.

Poppy

McIlroy's daughter, whom he would drop off at school before flying to Augusta National for practice rounds.

Erica

McIlroy's wife, with whom he would have dinner after returning home from his practice sessions at Augusta National.

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What they’re saying

“I think just spending time here. Between the Players and starting (the Masters) on Thursday, I've been on this golf course, geez, like Monday, Tuesday last week, then Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. I've been on this golf course so much the last three weeks, and that's been a combination of practice and chipping and putting around greens, and then just playing one ball and shooting scores and ending up in weird places that you maybe never find yourself and just trying to figure it out.”

— Rory McIlroy

“I'd rather come up here. I did a couple of days where I dropped Poppy (his daughter) to school, flew up here, played, landed back home and had dinner with her—or had dinner with Erica probably. Like I did a couple of day trips like that where I felt it was a better use of my time than going to Houston or San Antonio.”

— Rory McIlroy

What’s next

McIlroy will look to continue his strong play and capture his second career Masters title on the weekend.

The takeaway

Rory McIlroy's unconventional approach to preparing for the Masters, with extensive practice rounds at Augusta National rather than playing in PGA Tour events, highlights his dedication to mastering the challenging course. This strategy has paid off so far, as he has taken a commanding lead after the first two rounds.