When you consider that Rory McIlroy is potentially the most talented player of his generation, it would have been something of a travesty had he never managed to win The Masters during his career.
The Masters was the one major which eluded Rory McIlroy for more than a decade. And in truth, the Northern Irishman rarely came close to triumphing at Augusta National following his fourth major win in 2014.
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With that, McIlroy had to face up to the idea that he may end his career without securing his place in one of golf’s most exclusive clubs before finally getting across the line in 2025.
Of course, history plays such an important role in setting the stage for The Masters every year. The past champions have the opportunity to play on the hallowed turf in the days before the build-up to the tournament gets going.
Rory McIlroy explains why he has to share a locker at Augusta National after winning The Masters
Meanwhile, all eyes will be on McIlroy’s menu for the 2026 Champions Dinner – an event which provides an iconic image every single year.
But McIlroy will also have access to the champions’ locker room. And speaking to Stick to Football this week, the 36-year-old explained why he has to share his spot – as he named the two past winners his name has been put alongside.
“I’ve enjoyed it. I’ve enjoyed bringing it around the world. No [you don’t get to keep the jacket], it stays in the club, it stays in your locker,” he said, when asked about winning the green jacket.
“I played in India a few weeks ago and it was the first time the green jacket was in India. I brought it down to Australia. I’ve brought it around the globe.
“You have to sign a legal document to bring it out the club. There’s dos and don’ts with it. You have to wear a certain shirt, and you have to wear a club tie, certain trousers, dress shoes, you can’t wear trainers with it.
“They know who they are and they stick to it. It’s also one of the reasons that they have one of the best brands in sport. It’s because they’re so meticulous and they do everything in such a way.
“You don’t become a member of the club [by winning The Masters], but you get certain member’s privileges at some points throughout the year. I was there last week and it’s the first time I stayed on the golf course on my own, which was pretty cool.
“There’s the champions’ locker room upstairs that you get to go in. I saw that for the first time. It’s a pretty small place, so it’s got to the point where you have to share your locker with people, so I share with Ben Hogan and Ray Floyd, so that’s pretty cool. It’s a different feeling when you go back and have won there.”
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McIlroy’s reaction to finally winning The Masters said everything about the significance of his victory. It almost felt possible to see the weight of expectation lifted from his shoulders.
But seeing his name alongside Ben Hogan, in particular, would have provided another reminder of just how important his win was. Hogan is one of the most iconic figures the game has ever had.
He won The Masters in 1951 and 1953, and finished in the top five nine times in 25 starts.
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Raymond Floyd, meanwhile, boasted an incredible record at Augusta National. As well as winning in 1976, he finished second on three occasions. He also finished in the top 10 11 times.
Sadly, McIlroy will not get the opportunity to spend time in the locker room with the likes of Hogan, Arnold Palmer, and Seve Ballesteros.
But there is no doubt that it will still be an incredible moment for McIlroy when he returns to Augusta National ahead of the 2026 event and gets to enjoy everything through the eyes of a past champion.
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