PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif. — For more than a decade, Rory McIlroy tested different approaches to preparing for the Masters, hoping to land on the secret sauce.
But this year? He sounds almost satisfied with what he has achieved.
Life is good for the defending Masters champion, who is in the mix at The invitation of Genesis after just one bogey at the halfway mark. If McIlroy seems to be playing with a certain freedom, perhaps it’s because he knows he already owns the prize he’s prized most.
Now comes the victory lap. Suggest Masters topic; here’s how Rory’s Return is going down.
1. Return (with camera)
This part has already happened. While McIlroy said he hasn’t played a full round at Augusta since last year’s triumph, he returned to “take a few shots.” We can only guess what that means, but the smart money says it has to do with McIlroy’s new production company and some sort of special thing coming in the way of his title defense.
The last time McIlroy was there was the most important day of his career. Was it emotional, the return?
“No,” McIlroy said, then reconsidered. “It was nice to go up to the champions’ locker room and see my plaque with the two other champions I shared a locker with.”
(Masters champions share lockers with past winners, they have their own room, they have their own parking spaces, it’s a great overall setup.)
“Yeah, it was kind of nostalgic. I wouldn’t say it was emotional, but there were definitely fond memories. Yeah, different feeling the first time you’re standing in the place without needing a member there. There’s a lot of benefits you get from being a champion.”
2. Return (no camera)
Next week McIlroy will return to play the course with a familiar guest: his father, Gerry. Oh, and a familiar host:
“And the mayor,” he said. That would be Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley.
No word if they have a fourth, though I’m planning on offering my availability.
3. The Women’s Am
In the past McIlroy has tested several different approaches; several years he has played the week before in the Valero Texas Open. Not this year: McIlroy will be at Augusta National that weekend.
“I did Houston last year instead of San Antonio and that seemed to work out pretty well,” he said, referring to the Texas Children’s Houston Open two weeks ago. His plans instead?
“I’ll probably walk around and watch the final round of ANWA on Saturday,” he said. The Augusta National Women’s Am begins Wednesday and Thursday at the nearby Champions Retreat, pauses for an ANGC practice round on Friday and resumes for the final round on Saturday with, presumably, the Masters champion in the hunt.
4. Drive, Chip and Putt
McIlroy plans to be part of the Drive, Chip and Putt competition in some capacity, he said. And then…
5. A special round
A champion’s benefits extend to the Sunday before the Masters, when the course ENCOURAGE champions to bring guests. (Scottie Scheffler recently played with his mother Diane.)
