Rory McIlroy at the US Masters 2026: Defending the title with new ease

For the last 17 years, April has been inextricably linked with one agonizing question for Rory McIlroy: When will he finally win the Masters? But when the 90th edition of the traditional tournament begins tomorrow, Thursday, everything will be different. The Northern Irishman returns as defending champion - and with an ease that his rivals are likely to fear.

An evening among legends at the US Masters 2026

Tuesday evening in Augusta traditionally belongs to the reigning champion. As host of the "Champions Dinner", Rory McIlroy sat at the center of a table that brought together 33 former winners. It is the most exclusive circle in golf, and McIlroy visibly enjoyed the role that had eluded him for so long.

His menu was a culinary journey through his life. In addition to a Wagyu fillet, he served "Irish Champ", a traditional mashed potato from his homeland. Particularly emotional: the starter of bacon-wrapped dates was a tribute to his mother Rosie, who often prepared this dish in his childhood. When asked why he didn't choose more Irish specialties, McIlroy replied with his typical twinkle in his eye: "People ask me that all the time. I then say: Because I want to enjoy the food myself!"

Here you can find the US Masters 2026 Tee Times.

The release of a historic burden

The fact that McIlroy seems so relaxed this year is due to his historic triumph last year. By winning the US Masters 2025, he completed the "Career Grand Slam" - winning all four major tournaments. A milestone that elevated him to the Olympus alongside greats such as Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods.

"I feel so much more relaxed," McIlroy admitted openly in his press conference. "It doesn't make me any less motivated to go out there and play well, but I'm just more relaxed about the whole thing." The burden that seemed to weigh on his shoulders for years has disappeared. Fans used to shout at him as encouragement or pity, but now the expectation is positive: "Instead of 'Come on Rory, you can do it', they now shout 'Back-to-back' at me. That has a completely different, positive energy."

Here you can find the US Masters 2026 live scoring and leaderboard.

A US Masters without the old giants

This year's tournament also marks a historic upheaval. For the first time since 1994, both Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson will be absent from the field at the same time. While Woods is concentrating on his recovery following health setbacks, Mickelson is taking a break for family reasons. McIlroy expressly regretted the absence of the two legends at the dinner: "It's a shame that they can't be with us this year. But I'm sure they'll be back in the future."

The mission to defend the title

In sporting terms, the challenge could hardly be greater. The course at Augusta National is "firm and fast" - tough as nails and lightning fast. As no rain is forecast, precision will be the decisive factor. McIlroy, who is "100 percent fit" after a back injury in March, is optimistic about the coming days. He now has the experience of 18 starts and knows that his improved short game will allow him to be more aggressive off the Tee.

Should he succeed in defending his title, he would be promoted to one of the most exclusive clubs in the sporting world: Only Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods have ever won the Green Jacket in two consecutive years. McIlroy seems ready for this next chapter: "I know I can do it now. That should make it a little easier for me to play exactly the golf I want to play."