Masters champion Rory McIlroy is gearing up for a busy week as he prepares to defend his title at Augusta National Golf Club in April. Before returning to the iconic course, McIlroy aims to fine-tune his skills at The Genesis Invitational, which is set to take place at the Riviera Country Club.
McIlroy has scheduled a practice round next week with his father, Gerry, and Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley, marking his first informal visit since last year’s promotional work at the venue. He reminisced about seeing his nameplate in the champions locker room, sharing space with notable past champions, and expressed the nostalgia that comes with being a tournament winner. McIlroy mentioned that while there have been some changes to the course—like the tee on the 17th hole being moved back 10 yards—the fundamental layout remains unchanged.
This week, however, McIlroy is focused on sharpening his competitive edge at The Genesis Invitational, a key Signature Event on the PGA Tour. After finishing five shots behind Collin Morikawa at last week’s AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-am, he acknowledged that a few missteps allowed opportunities to slip away. Despite this, McIlroy is optimistic about his game, asserting that the Riviera course offers a less hazardous environment, which may contribute to improved scoring opportunities.
He has taken part in two events on the DP World Tour earlier this year and emphasized the importance of easing into the season while shaking off any rust. McIlroy noted, “There’s enough good in there to be encouraged going into this week,” suggesting he feels positive about his recent performances.
Looking ahead, The Genesis Invitational promises to be an exciting competition, featuring prominent players including Tiger Woods’ foundation as hosts of the event. McIlroy, along with Scheffler and defending champion Ludvig Åberg, is set to take the stage, with coverage available on Sky Sports Golf starting Thursday. With each week presenting new chances for success, McIlroy remains hopeful and ready to tackle the challenges ahead.