Rory McIlroy's approach to preparing for the Masters has been called into question, but his time spent at Augusta National has been vigorously defended. McIlroy, who won his sixth major title, had revealed that he regularly practiced at Augusta in the weeks leading up to the tournament, sparking a debate about whether he gained an unfair advantage. However, several prominent figures in the golfing community, including Michael Kim and Kevin Kisner, have come to McIlroy's defense, arguing that his preparation was a smart move rather than an unfair one. Sky Sports Golf's Nick Dougherty also weighed in, stating that McIlroy's ability to practice at Augusta was a testament to his earned right as a top player.
Dougherty recalled his own experience practicing at Augusta before his 2008 Masters appearance, noting that the club was accommodating and allowed him to properly prepare for the tournament. The debate surrounding McIlroy's preparation has been dismissed as 'nonsense' by some, with many arguing that all players have the same opportunities to practice at Augusta. McIlroy's successful title defense has further solidified his position among the sport's all-time greats, and he will look to continue his major success in 2026.