Video diary: Rory McIlroy to begin defence of his Masters crown
From Augusta, Mark McMahon shares his thoughts as Rory McIlroy begins the defence of his Masters title
Rory McIlroy begins the defence of his Masters crown at Augusta National today, with the five-times Major winner keen to make even more history.
Like those who have secured golf’s grand slam, only a handful of players can say they’ve won back-to-back Masters titles.
Three, in fact, which will see the Holywood joins the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods if he’s seen being presented with the famous green jacket once again come Sunday evening in Georgia.
There’s a lot of work to be done before then, though, including today’s opening round.
And it’s a relatively early start for the defending champion. He’s out at 10.31am local time (3.31pm BST) in the company of recently-crowned Players Championship winner Cameron Young and US Amateur champion Mason Howell.
Less than 45 minutes later, Northern Ireland will have another one of its golfing son embarking on his maiden Masters experience.
Tom McKibbin booked his spot at the first major of the season by winning the Asia Tour’s Link Hong Kong Open at the back end of last year.
He tees off at 11.15 in the company of American duo Andrew Novak and Brian Campbell.
It will be interesting to see how the 23-year-old LIV player fairs on his Augusta National debut.
And you can keep bang up to date with all the goings on out in Georgia thanks to Mark McMahon, who is once again out at ANGC to provide the News Letter with all the latest from the first major of the year.
For your next Masters read: Retaining Augusta crown would be another masterstroke from legend Rory McIlroy