Overview
- After his TGL semifinal appearance, Rory McIlroy said the Masters will be his next event, ending talk of adding a tune‑up start.
- McIlroy finished T46 at The Players with one of the worst strokes gained putting figures among those who made the cut after withdrawing from Bay Hill with a back issue.
- He arrived at TPC Sawgrass without a practice round, noted his body held up over four days, and now prioritizes recovery and targeted practice for Augusta.
- As defending champion, McIlroy also faces added Augusta obligations such as hosting the Champions Dinner, which can influence his on‑site preparation.
- Tiger Woods reiterated he is "working on" a possible Masters return, citing good and bad days following October lumbar disc replacement and a 2025 Achilles rupture, while continuing to manage his TGL team without playing.