Lapping up the pomp as Masters champion is what each golfers needs, however it additionally comes with extra interviews, extra shows and – probably – extra distractions.
Spain’s Jon Rahm completed tied forty fifth on his return after profitable in 2023, later admitting he struggled to “modify” with the calls for of “lots happening”.
“Should you’ve received the Masters, particularly for Rory, it truly is a dream come true. So that you’re joyful to return there and I do not suppose the extra commitments are ever a distraction,” stated Brown.
“Rory has achieved every little thing he got down to do in his profession, however there are all the time extra objectives. Now he needs to defend it.
“As an expert sportsman, you are all the time striving for the subsequent win. What can I enhance to take me to the subsequent stage?
“Golf’s notably tough as a result of one week you are a champion, the subsequent minute you are a hen. You’ll be able to’t take your foot off the fuel.”
McIlroy’s type going into the season-opening main gives little indication about his probabilities.
Three top-10 finishes in his opening 4 occasions of 2026 bode properly, earlier than a again harm compelled his withdrawal from the Arnold Palmer Invitational and left him “nonetheless not 100%” on the PGA Tour’s flagship Gamers Championship three weeks in the past.
He says not enjoying competitively since has supplied a “good alternative to handle the problem” earlier than Augusta – which is notoriously bodily taxing.
Subsequently, it appears the extra pertinent consider McIlroy’s hopes this week is the belief he has gained in his tactical capability.
“Augusta through the years has made me fairly tentative at occasions, particularly with strategy play,” McIlroy stated.
“By changing into a greater putter, by engaged on my quick sport and changing into higher across the greens, that most likely allowed me to change into extra aggressive with my strategy play.
“I feel that is been an enormous a part of the rationale why I’ve now ultimately received there, however why my play has obtained higher there through the years.”
McIlroy feels the Masters is the foremost the place he may probably finish his profession with essentially the most success.
Changing into a a number of champion this week, and a uncommon back-to-back winner, can be one other {golfing} mountain which he has managed to scale.
