Rory’s Relaxed: Masters Pressure Eases After Green Jacket Win

Rory’s Relaxed: Masters Pressure Eases After Green Jacket Win

Augusta National Country Club is ready for the Masters, and all eyes are on Rory McIlroy. After winning his first green jacket a year ago, McIlroy says he feels a new sense of calm heading into the tournament. The pressure that once weighed heavily on him has lifted, allowing him to focus on playing his best golf.

“I feel so much more relaxed,” McIlroy shared yesterday. “I know that I’m going to be coming back here for a lot of years. I’m going to enjoy the perks that the champions get here.” He emphasized that this newfound relaxation doesn’t mean less drive. “It doesn’t make me any less motivated to go out there and play well and try to win the tournament. But yeah, just more relaxed about it all. I know that I can do it now.” This confidence, he believes, should make it easier to play the game he wants to play.

Masters Champions Weigh In

Curtis Strange, a two-time Masters champion himself, understands the mental shift McIlroy is experiencing. He believes this relaxed state will translate directly to McIlroy’s performance on the course. “He’s certainly going to play more relaxed,” Strange observed. “You can see it in his body language. He really is a different person than he was the last five, six or seven years here at Augusta National trying to win the slam.”

However, Strange also noted that a touch of anxiety is normal for top players. “Everybody plays better when they’re on edge and he’s still going to be on edge to play well.” He concluded, “A relaxed Rory McIlroy is so explosive. I think he’ll do well here this week.”

The Favorites List

McIlroy is among the betting favorites, but Scottie Scheffler is also a major contender, despite some recent struggles. Scheffler hasn’t finished in the top 20 in his last two tournaments. Strange still considers him the player to beat, however. “He’s far and away number one in the world. And even when Scotty slips a little bit, he’s still better than everybody else other than maybe Rory.”

The birth of Scheffler’s child two weeks ago adds another layer to his story. Strange believes this family milestone will bring him peace. “Everybody’s healthy, everybody’s here. He’s such a family-oriented man. I think he’s finally at ease with the anticipation of having a second child. And I think he’s going to do well.” While Scheffler’s second-shot accuracy might be a bit off, Strange mentioned that fixes are likely already in progress. “Whenever any top player comes here, to Augusta National, the light switches on. It’s a different atmosphere. Everybody gets so fired up to play here and they start to hit on all cylinders.”

LIV Golfers and Rising Stars

The field also features top players from LIV Golf, including Masters champion Jon Rahm and two-time U.S. Open winner Bryson DeChambeau. Fans haven’t seen much of them this year, but they are eager to compete on a big stage. “They like the big stage. They’re happy to be here. They’re both playing very very well,” Strange commented. DeChambeau has won his last two starts, while Rahm has consistently finished in the top five for nearly two years.

Strange also highlighted some emerging talents. “Luigi Oberg is playing very very well. Matt Fitzpatrick won two weeks ago. And there’s one other young man I really really like and that’s the Players Champion Cam Young. Long, eager, aggressive and I think he could do well.” He noted Young’s strength from tee to green, but added, “He’s got to make a lot of putts.”

An Outside Pick

When asked for a dark horse pick, Strange pointed to Xander Schauffele. “Let’s keep an eye on him. He’s playing well. I think he’s eager to really do well here. He has the complete game, you know, very good mentally, and you have to be very patient.” Strange anticipates a fast and firm course with ideal weather conditions. “He’s one that wouldn’t surprise anybody if he played really well here and won.”

As the Masters approaches, the focus is on McIlroy’s relaxed demeanor, Scheffler’s consistent brilliance, and the potential of both seasoned champions and rising stars to make their mark at Augusta National.

Source: Rory McIlroy says he's 'relaxed, but not any less motivated' to win the 2026 Masters ⛳️ | Get Up (YouTube)