McIlroy Commends 'Formative' Swing in Race for Masters Crown
World number two Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland says he has recovered from a back injury ahead of his defending the green jacket at the 90th Masters (Richard HEATHCOTE) Rory McIlroy is pleased with his recovery from a back injury and excited to play the Masters in three weeks as defending champion after last year's emotional Augusta National triumph. The 36-year-old from Northern Ireland captured his fifth major title by winning last year's Masters to complete a career Grand Slam. "This is going to be the first time I drive down Magnolia Lane (as champion) and it's all going to be about enjoying my week and the perks that come along with being a Masters champion," McIlroy said on Wednesday in a conference call.
Those include a champion's parking spot, a place in the champions locker room and hosting the champions dinner two days before the event tees off April 9. "I know I get to go back to the Masters for the rest of my life," McIlroy said. "That's quite a freeing feeling.
" After a third-place showing at Dubai in January and a share of second last month at the PGA Tour Genesis Invitational, McIlroy raised concerns by pulling out of the Arnold Palmer Invitational two weeks ago at Bay Hill with a back injury. World number two McIlroy, however, says those issues have been resolved as he makes final preparation to defend the green jacket. "Prep has run pretty well," McIlroy said.
"Had that little back issue at Bay Hill which threw a spanner in the works but I've recovered from that pretty quickly. "I'm really pleased with how my body responded to that little setback. " After a share of 46th defending his title at The Players Championship, McIlroy will be off until he tees off at Augusta.
"I'm really excited to get to the week of the Masters and defend," McIlroy said. "I know defending is a pretty rare feat and I would like to do that for sure. " Only Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Nick Faldo have captured the Masters in consecutive years, with Woods the most recent in 2001-2002.