McIlroy sets record straight on weird Masters | Golf News

Rory McIlroy remained silent about the criticism he obtained from sure circles after securing back-to-back Masters Tournaments at Augusta National, while the broader {golfing} world debated whether or not he loved an unfair benefit in preparation in contrast to his opponents.

However, McIlroy has now responded to the controversy surrounding his preparation, acknowledging on the event’s eve that he made a number of journeys to Augusta National aboard his non-public jet to play the course beforehand fairly than competing in PGA Tour occasions.

McIlroy ultimately addressed the matter during an look on the New Heights podcast with Jason and Travis Kelce on Wednesday. Travis inquired whether or not the Northern Irish star had modified something about his preparation forward of this 12 months’s Masters versus earlier years.

McIlroy revealed that adjusting his back resulted in his withdrawal from the Arnold Palmer Invitational and that the injury compelled him to compete at The Players at 75 p.c fitness.

McIlroy completed tied for forty sixth at TPC Sawgrass as a game-time choice without follow rounds, immediately before his Masters triumph. The Northern Irish golfer went on to clarify how his injury recovery unexpectedly afforded him more time than any other competitor in the sphere to put together particularly for Augusta National, though he was greatly surprised by the “weird” controversy it generated.

“It gave me the opportunity to go up to Augusta and prepare maybe more than anyone else in the field,” he continued. “Which I actually got a bit a little bit of s— for afterward, which was weird.”

Jason Kelce immediately agreed that the backlash made little sense, while McIlroy laughed off the notion of over-preparing for the distinguished event. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith claimed he had an “unfair advantage,” but confused that McIlroy didn’t violate any guidelines in claiming the victory.

The grand slam Major champion also acknowledged feeling considerably anxious on Thursday, having not competed for three weeks prior to the event’s start. McIlroy finally justified every hour of preparation with yet another historic Masters efficiency.

He opened with rounds of 67 and 65, ending at 12-under, and efficiently defended the Green Jacket. McIlroy joined Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, and Tiger Woods as the only gamers to declare back-to-back Masters titles.

McIlroy has taken a three-week break from competitors and is set to return at the Truist Championship at Quail Hollow from May 7 to 10.