Rory McIlroy reveals how preparation helped give him control at Augusta

Rory Mcllroy’s strong start to the defence of his Masters title owed as much to his preparation as his prodigious talent after making the most of the opportunities available to him as the holder of a green jacket.

As a champion he is able to play practice rounds, albeit with an Augusta National member, with greater frequency than fellow competitors and he took advantage leading up to the tournament.

He had three weeks off following the Players Championship, where he failed to successfully defend his title, to concentrate on his preparation as – by his own admission – he does not like playing the PGA Tour events in Texas.

It’s time to make a move. There’s one man to catch. It’s Saturday at the Masters. #themasters pic.twitter.com/CmKmAlBnY0

— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 11, 2026

That raised a few eyebrows but McIlroy – whose six-shot lead at 12-under was the biggest 36-hole advantage in Masters history – spent the time focusing on practice, which even included day trips from his Florida home via private jet.

“I did a couple of days where I dropped (daughter) Poppy to school, flew up here, played, landed back home and had dinner with her or Erica (his wife) probably,” said the world number two, who is seeking to follow Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Sir Nick Faldo in winning back-to-back Masters.

“I felt it was a better use of my time than going to Houston or San Antonio. Between the Players and starting on Thursday, I’ve been on this golf course, like Monday, Tuesday last week, then Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday.

“I was up here for a day the week before as well. 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.

“Then just