Rory McIlroy is preparing to play Augusta National Golf Club next week with Chairman Fred Ridley, marking his first competitive round at the course since winning the Masters last April and completing his career Grand Slam. The visit comes six weeks before he defends his title at the 2026 Masters Tournament.
McIlroy confirmed the upcoming round during the Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club, adding that he had already made a return trip to Augusta in December. That visit wasn’t for a full round of golf, but rather for filming, reportedly at the request of the club. “It was cool to gain up to the champions locker room and spot my nameplate alongside the other two champions that I share a locker with,” McIlroy said, describing the experience as “somewhat nostalgic.”
The December visit offered McIlroy a latest perspective on the course. “Different feels the first time staying on site without having to demand a member there,” he noted, referencing the perks afforded to Masters champions. He also shared that he shares a locker with other past champions, though he did not reveal who they are.
While at Riviera, McIlroy opened the Genesis Invitational with a 5-under par 66, placing him in a tie for second place alongside Jacob Bridgeman and Mateo Penge as of Thursday’s completion of play. Aaron Rai leads the tournament at 6-under par through 16 holes, with play suspended due to darkness after a mid-afternoon rain delay.
The performance at Riviera has shifted betting odds, with McIlroy now favored to win at +370 on DraftKings, +333 on BetMGM, and +340 on FanDuel. This contrasts with the earlier struggles of world number one Scottie Scheffler, who finished five-over par and tied for 64th place after the first round.
McIlroy also noted a minor course change at Augusta National: the 17th hole has been lengthened by 10 yards, achieved by moving the tee box plate further back. “But apart from that, the course is pretty much the same,” he said.
The 2026 Masters is scheduled for April 9-12, where McIlroy will attempt to become the fourth golfer to win back-to-back titles, joining Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, and Tiger Woods in achieving that feat.