The Northern Irish golfer made history by becoming only the fourth player to retain the prestigious title. However, his win drew backlash from some fans who argued that his preparation gave him an unfair advantage.
McIlroy had spent significant time at Augusta National in the weeks leading up to the tournament, taking advantage of rules that allow defending champions unrestricted access to the course. He also withdrew from three events prior to the Masters to focus entirely on preparation.
Explaining his approach, McIlroy said he prefers to avoid the tournaments immediately before the Masters and instead concentrate on getting familiar with the course. He described making short trips to Augusta between family commitments, maximizing his time on the course.
When questioned about claims of an unfair edge, McIlroy dismissed them, stating that his extensive practice simply left him feeling well-prepared. He noted that his familiarity with the course helped him understand where to play aggressively and where to be cautious.
He also revealed that his preparation was influenced by advice from Jack Nicklaus, who recommended simulating tournament conditions ahead of major events by playing full rounds and keeping score. McIlroy adopted a similar method in the build-up to the Masters.
Despite his explanation, some fans remained unconvinced. Critics argued that his ability to practice repeatedly at Augusta, while skipping competitive tournaments, created an imbalance compared to other players.
Others acknowledged that while McIlroy did not break any rules, he may have maximized an advantage built into the system. Still, supporters point out that the same opportunity was available to other competitors, including Scheffler.
