Rory McIlroy is seeking to defend the Green Jacket (Picture: Getty)Former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley believes a number of factors will make it ‘very difficult’ for Rory McIlroy to defend the Masters this week. ‘I think it’s off, to be honest,’ McGinley said when asked about the state of McIlroy’s game ahead of Thursday’s first round. ‘I don’t think he’s primed the way he was this time last year, coming off wins at The Players and Pebble Beach. I think it’s going to be very difficult, and it always is, to defend around Augusta. You’re wearing a green jacket around the property.

Source: Metro April 07, 2026 06:33 UTC