Rory McIlroy explains his different approach to this year’s Masters
“Instead of it being, ‘Come on, Rory, you know you can do this’, it’s, ‘Back to back?’. There’s a real positive connotation to it instead of, ‘Jeez Rory, we’ve been waiting a while. When are you going to get this done?’.
“Maybe that’s just my perception of it, but it is so nice to just not have that hanging over me. It feels that it’s a big weight off my shoulders.
“I feel I’ve got another hopefully 10 good shots at this – not that I don’t at the other majors, but I just think everything here is a little more predictable. The more experience you have around this golf course, the better it is.”
Jamie Braidwood9 April 2026 10:50
Rory McIlroy says career grand slam has not dimmed desire for further glory
Defending Masters champion Rory McIlroy does not want his year wearing the green jacket to end, but it has made him realise completing the career grand slam at Augusta 12 months ago did not fulfil his ambitions.
“For the past 17 years I just could not wait for the tournament to start and this year I wouldn’t care if the tournament never started. That’s sort of the difference,” McIlroy said of his status as returning champion.
“I feel so much more relaxed. I know that I’m going to be coming back here for a lot of years, going to enjoy the perks champions get here.
“It doesn’t make me any less motivated to play well and try to win the tournament.
“The story as it relates to me is, what do I do from now onwards? What motivates me? What gets me going? What do I still want to achieve in the game? And there’s still a lot that I want to do.”
Jamie Braidwood9 April 2026 10:30
Bryson DeChambeau reveals burning desire to beat Rory McIlroy every time he plays him
Bryson DeChambeau admits he wants to “beat the living you know what” out of Rory McIlroy every time he plays him.
The pair’s rivalry appeared to peak during the final day of last year’s Masters when DeChambeau alleged the Northern Irishman did not speak to him for the entire round when they were paired together in the last group.
“It’s great if we can continue to have a rivalry. I don’t see any problem with that,” said DeChambeau.
“If anything, it kind of helps create more buzz around the game of golf. Do I respect him as an individual? One hundred per cent.
“Do I want to beat him every time I see him? Absolutely. There’s no question about it.”
(Getty Images)
Jamie Braidwood9 April 2026 10:10
Major champion Mark Calcavecchia ejected from Masters after breaking strict Augusta rule
Mark Calcavecchia, the 1989 Open champion, has been ejected from the Masters tournament after breaking Augusta National’s strict no-phone policy.
Calcavecchia was among the patrons at Augusta on Wednesday ahead of the 2026 tournament, in his role as an “honorary invitee”, having won one of golf’s four majors. He played in the Masters 18 times between 1987 and 2008, recording a best finish of second in 1988.
Augusta has a number of regulations which it enforces to protect its status as one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events, including a specific dress code, no running around the property and no brands or sponsors on the grounds.
Lawrence Ostlere9 April 2026 09:50
Jason Day criticises Tiger Woods for putting ‘people in harm’s way’
Jason Day criticised Tiger Woods for being selfish and putting “other people in harm’s way” by driving after taking prescription medication.
“It just shows the human element and the human side of someone that is struggling with some sort of an addiction,” said Day ahead of this week’s Masters.
He added: “When you’re going through that many procedures, it’s painful coming out of those procedures. I’ve had procedures done and typically try and stay away from all that stuff (painkillers) because I just know there can potentially be a downfall to it.
“He’s just a human being like everyone else and we have struggles. The only thing that I don’t understand is that it’s a little bit selfish of him to drive and put other people in harm’s way, as well.
“But when you’re the player that he was and how strong-willed he is he thinks he can do almost anything and that’s probably why he’s probably driving.”
Jason Day criticised Tiger Woods after his DUI charge but admits ‘we all make mistakes’ (Getty Images)
Jamie Braidwood9 April 2026 09:30
Sir Nick Faldo demands accountability from Tiger Woods after DUI arrest
Sir Nick Faldo has demanded “responsibility and accountability” from Tiger Woods following his DUI arrest.
Woods was charged with driving under the influence last week after a rollover car accident, with the 50-year-old arrested and subsequently spending eight hours in jail before being bailed.
The 15-time major winner, who knocked back an offer to be the USA’s next Ryder Cup captain at Adare Manor in 2027, confirmed he is taking time away from the sport to prioritise his health and wellbeing after pleading not guilty to the charges following the car crash.
But Faldo, a six-time major champion and three-time green jacket winner ahead of The Masters next week, insists the authorities must do more to hold Woods to account and fears there will be no repercussions for his actions.
“I feel sorry for Tiger, he’s living 24/7 in pain,” Faldo said on a media call, including The Independent, from his Montana home. “I asked him that years ago, even before the LA accident [in 2021], but it’s all been self-inflicted.
“There are two sides to this right now. There’s one side, let’s care for Tiger, and then there’s got to be a responsibility and accountability side as well.”
Jack Rathborn 9 April 2026 09:10
Absence of Tiger Woods casts a shadow over this year’s Masters
It has felt like the build-up to The Masters were dominated by a former champion will not be appearing at Augusta this week.
Tiger Woods has left the United States to seek treatment after being charged with driving under the influence following a car crash near his home in Florida last month.
“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” Woods said in his first public comments since the crash.
“I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery.”
Jamie Braidwood9 April 2026 08:50
Frankie Fleetwood steals the show at Masters Par-3 contest
Frankie Fleetwood’s attempts to clear the water on the ninth green stole the show during the annual Par-3 contest at Augusta.
Sadly, the eight-year-old landed his best attempt 15 yards short and wet, after his father Tommy Fleetwood had talked up his quest to reach the green.
He’ll be back stronger next year.
Jamie Braidwood9 April 2026 08:32
Rory McIlroy is back at Augusta – but does he have the right mindset to win The Masters again?
The role of reigning Masters champion comes with a whole new set of challenges that make winning it all over again one of the hard tasks in golf, says former Ryder Cup-winning captain Paul McGinley
Lawrence Ostlere9 April 2026 08:30
Masters tee times: Selected first-round times
14:55 Tommy Fleetwood (Eng)
15:07 Bryson DeChambeau (US), Matt Fitzpatrick (Eng), Xander Schauffele (US)
15:31 Rory McIlroy (NI), Cameron Young (USA)
15:43 Viktor Hovland (Nor), Patrick Cantlay (US)
17:56 JJ Spaun (US), Tyrrell Hatton (Eng)
18:08 Jon Rahm (Spa), Ludvig Aberg (Swe)
18:20 Jordan Spieth (US), Justin Rose (Eng), Brooks Koepka (US)
18:44 Scottie Scheffler (US), Robert MacIntyre (Sco), Gary Woodland (US)
Jamie Braidwood9 April 2026 08:10