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Rory McIlroy is taking a champion’s victory lap at Augusta National ahead of his Masters defense

Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, watches his tee shot on the 17th hole during a practice round ahead of the Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club, Tuesday, April 7, 2026, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, watches his tee shot on the 17th hole during a practice round ahead of the Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club, Tuesday, April 7, 2026, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, watches his tee shot on the 17th hole during a practice round ahead of the Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club, Tuesday, April 7, 2026, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

By Doug Ferguson 5 min read

AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — In his 17th appearance in the Masters, Rory McIlroy finally won the green jacket and reached what he figured would be the pinnacle of his golf career. He has the career Grand Slam. He has an invitation to play in the Masters for as long as he wants.

The 18th trip might be even better.

This must feel like a victory lap for McIlroy, who has been at Augusta National all weekend with an eye on hosting the Masters Club dinner on Tuesday night. And then he can move on to that small matter of trying to become only the fourth player to win back-to-back at the Masters.

What’s the rush?

“I think for the past 17 years I just could not wait for the tournament to start,” McIlroy said Tuesday. “And this year, I wouldn’t care if the tournament never started.”