“If I Get Itchy Feet at Home…” Rory McIlroy Keeps Masters Build-Up Flexible After Disappointing Players Championship Finish
GOLF AUSTRALIAN OPEN, Northern Ireland s Rory McIlroy looks on after teeing off on the 3rd hole during round three of the Australian Open Golf tournament at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club in Melbourne, Saturday, December 6, 2025. NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY MELBOURNE VICTORIA AUSTRALIA PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxAUSxNZLxPNGxFIJxVANxSOLxTGA Copyright: xJAMESxROSSx 20251206197727143457
GOLF AUSTRALIAN OPEN, Northern Ireland s Rory McIlroy looks on after teeing off on the 3rd hole during round three of the Australian Open Golf tournament at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club in Melbourne, Saturday, December 6, 2025. NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY MELBOURNE VICTORIA AUSTRALIA PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxAUSxNZLxPNGxFIJxVANxSOLxTGA Copyright: xJAMESxROSSx 20251206197727143457
Rory McIlroy's road to the Masters has hit a bump. After a disappointing finish at The Players Championship, he is leaving his pre-tournament schedule open. McIlroy is waiting to see if he gets 'itchy feet' before committing to another event.
During the Sunday press conference at the Players Championship, McIlroy was asked whether the week had given him enough preparation.
“I’ll see. I haven’t really made a decision either way. I’ll see how my body feels. We’ll see how I feel in practice and at home, and if I get itchy feet at home, maybe add an event at some point. I feel like it was important to make the weekend here and play an extra couple of days.”
February 22, 2026, Pacific Palisades, California, USA: Rory McIlroy approaches hole 18th during Round 4 of the 2026 Genesis Invitational Golf Tournament on Sunday February 22, 2026 at the Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California. JAVIER ROJAS/PI Pacific Palisades USA - ZUMAp124 20260222_zaa_p124_314 Copyright: xJavierxRojasx
February 22, 2026, Pacific Palisades, California, USA: Rory McIlroy approaches hole 18th during Round 4 of the 2026 Genesis Invitational Golf Tournament on Sunday February 22, 2026 at the Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California. JAVIER ROJAS/PI Pacific Palisades USA - ZUMAp124 20260222_zaa_p124_314 Copyright: xJavierxRojasx
The uncertainty follows a challenging week at The Players Championship, where McIlroy finished tied for 46th at even-par 288. In his defense, McIlroy was also managing a back issue that had forced him to withdraw from the Arnold Palmer Invitational the previous week.
He shot a 74 and 71 to make the cut, followed by a 72 and 71 on the weekend. Statistically, one part of his game stood out during the week. McIlroy ranked third in the field in strokes gained off the tee, showing control with the driver across the tournament. The scoring, however, was affected on the greens, where he lost more than five strokes putting over four days.
His final round followed a similar pattern. McIlroy signed for a 1-under 71 on Sunday with four birdies on the card. The round began with a double bogey on the opening hole before he recovered over the remaining holes to close the tournament at even par.
Rory McIlroy Certainly Wants Another Masters Win
Speaking about the next step in his preparation, Rory McIlroy said, "But yeah, really just see how the next week goes, see how once I get back to actually a full practice schedule and in the gym and stuff like that, see how my body reacts to that, and then I’ll see.”
His decision will shape his final preparations for the Masters.
The tournament is scheduled from April 9 to April 12 at Augusta National Golf Club, where McIlroy will arrive as the defending champion. His presence this year carries added significance because the 2025 edition marked a milestone in his career.
That breakthrough came a year ago when McIlroy won the 2025 Masters after a playoff against Justin Rose. The victory completed the career Grand Slam and placed him among a small group of players to achieve it, including Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, and Gene Sarazen.
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Written by
Aditi Singh
Edited by
Siddharth Shirwadkar