Rory McIlroy Skips Cognizant Classic, Prepares for Masters Defense

Rory McIlroy will bypass the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches next week, opting instead to focus on preparations for his title defense at the Masters Tournament in April, Golf Channel’s Todd Lewis reported Wednesday.

The world No. 2, coming off a successful 2025 season that included a playoff victory over Justin Rose at the Masters – ending an 11-year major championship drought – will travel directly from the Genesis Invitational in Pacific Palisades, California, to Augusta National Golf Club. He also secured wins at the 2025 Players Championship and the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

Lewis reported that McIlroy plans to spend time at Augusta alongside his father, Gerry McIlroy, and Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley. This will be McIlroy’s second visit to the club since achieving the career Grand Slam last year, and Lewis noted the emotional impact of McIlroy seeing his name added to the Champions Locker.

McIlroy is scheduled to tee off at 12:08 p.m. ET on Thursday at Riviera Country Club for the Genesis Invitational, which returns to its traditional location after being held at Torrey Pines South Course last year. The full field for the Cognizant Classic will be announced later this week.

The Masters Tournament is scheduled to begin on April 9.