Back-to-back Masters champion Rory McIlroy has finally spoken out on the controversy surrounding his Augusta National course preparation. The Northern Irishman addressed some of the 'weird' aspects around his second Masters title during an appearance on the 'New Heights' podcast with Jason and Travis Kelce on Wednesday.
McIlroy Responds to Criticism
McIlroy remained tight-lipped about the criticism he encountered from certain sections following his second Masters victory at Augusta National. While the wider golfing world debated whether he enjoyed an unfair advantage in terms of preparation compared to his rivals, McIlroy has now responded to the controversy. This came after he revealed he made multiple trips to Augusta National via his private jet to play the course ahead of his title defence rather than competing in PGA Tour events.
McIlroy's access to Augusta as a former champion sparked debate, including among fellow PGA Tour professionals, though they too had sufficient opportunities to practise there should they have chosen to do so. Cameron Young reckons McIlroy also holds an edge for the Truist Championship this week.
Injury Led to Extra Preparation Time
Travis enquired whether the Northern Irishman altered anything about his preparation ahead of this year's Masters compared to previous campaigns. McIlroy explained how tweaking his back resulted in his withdrawal from the Arnold Palmer Invitational. That injury meant he competed at The Players at 75 per cent fitness, according to the man himself. McIlroy finished tied for 46th at TPC Sawgrass as a late decision with no practice rounds shortly before his Masters triumph.
He then revealed how the injury layoff unexpectedly afforded him more time than any other competitor in the field to prepare specifically for Augusta National. However, he was taken aback by the 'weird' backlash it generated.
'It gave me the opportunity to go up to Augusta and prepare maybe more than anyone else in the field,' he said. 'Which I actually got a bit a little bit of s*** for afterward, which was weird.' Jason immediately concurred the criticism made no sense whatsoever, while McIlroy laughed off the notion of over-preparing ahead of the prestigious event. ESPN's Stephen A. Smith suggested he had an 'unfair advantage' but stressed McIlroy had not violated any regulations while securing the victory.
Historic Masters Victory
The Grand Slam champ also confessed to experiencing slight nerves on Thursday because he had not competed for three weeks prior to the tournament getting underway. McIlroy ultimately justified every hour of preparation with another historic Masters display. He opened with rounds of 67 and 65, finishing at 12-under and retaining the Green Jacket. McIlroy joined Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods as the only players with consecutive Masters victories.
He took a three-week hiatus from competition before returning to action. And he now makes his comeback for the Truist Championship at Quail Hollow.
