Rory McIlroy Masters practice rounds, explained: Inside defending champ's unconventional jet-setting prep

Rory McIlroy Masters practice rounds, explained: Inside defending champ's unconventional jet-setting prep originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . While every athlete has their own way of warming up before a big game or event, Rory McIlroy's prep ahead of the 2026 Masters certainly stands alone.

Thanks to his 2025 Green Jacket, McIlroy gained the ability to schedule practice rounds at Augusta National before teeing off on Thursday's opening round. The extra practice seemed to serve him well, as he entered Saturday with a record-breaking six-stroke 36-hole lead and sat at 12-under. McIlroy will be looking to be the first back-to-back Masters winner since Tiger Woods (2001–02), and it all starts with practice.

Here's an inside look at McIlroy's new training techniques, which involved frequent day trips to Augusta National. SN's MASTERS HQ: Live Masters leaderboard | Masters TV coverage | Live streaming Rory McIlroy practice round routine Ahead of this year at Augusta National, McIlroy became more familiar with the course than ever before. He explained that he felt that his time was better served by playing a practice round at the home of the Masters, versus playing at the other tournaments on the PGA schedule.

Here is what McIlroy said at a Masters press conference. Rory McIlroy said that in the weeks leading up to the Masters, there were days he would drop off Poppy at school, fly to Augusta, play a round, and make it back home in time for dinner. Perks of being the defending champ.