The Masters: McIlroy preparing to defend title in Augusta
The Holywood star says he is relaxed ahead of his opening round tomorrow afternoon
Last updated 8th Apr 2026
Rory McIlroy begins his defence of the Masters title tomorrow (Thursday) afternoon.
The Holywood star has been given a prime mid-morning start time for the defence of his green jacket at Augusta.
McIlroy, who completed the career Grand Slam with an emotional play-off victory over Justin Rose 12 months ago, will go out at 10.31am local time (3.31pm BST) with Players Champion Cameron Young and 2025 US Amateur winner Mason Howell.
He is seeking to become only the fourth man – and first in 24 years – after Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Sir Nick Faldo – to win back-to-back Masters titles.
McIlroy said he was relaxed going into the tournament: "For the past 17 years I couldn't wait for the tournament to start.
"This year I wouldn't care if the tournament never started.
"That's sort of the difference - yes it's completely different - I feel so much more relaxed."
Ahead of him at 10.07am (3.07pm BST) are in-form duo Bryson DeChambeau and Matt Fitzpatrick and two-time major winner Xander Schauffele.
The 2023 champion Jon Rahm is out with Ryder Cup team-mate Ludvig Aberg, who has finished second and seventh in his two Masters so far, and Chris Gotterup, a two-time PGA Tour winner this year at 1.08pm (6.08pm BST).
World number one Scottie Scheffler, who has won the Masters twice in the last four years, goes off at 1.44pm (6.44pm BST) with Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre and recent Texas Children’s Houston Open winner Gary Woodland.
The event begins at 7.25am (12.25pm BST) with honorary starters Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson, who have a combined 11 green jackets between them over 140 combined appearances, teeing off at the first.
John Keefer and Haotong Li get the tournament proper under way at 7.40am (12.40BST) as a two-ball in a 91-man field.