Rory McIlroy shares thoughts on change to Augusta National after playing the course this week

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Rory McIlroy is stepping up his preparation for next week’s Masters at the Valero Texas Open at TPC San Antonio.

The 24-time PGA Tour winner is looking to land an elusive Green Jacket to complete his long-awaited career grand slam.

McIlroy, 34, has made five appearances in 2024, with his latest coming at The Players Championship in March, where he tied for 19th spot.

It’s been a relatively encouraging start to the year for the Northern Irishman, having not missed a cut thus far.

McIlroy has been talking to the media ahead of the first major of the year and has shared his thoughts on one of the changes made to Augusta National.

Rory McIlroy shares thoughts on tee box change at Augusta National

Tournament organisers have changed the tee position on the par-five 2nd, moving the tee box backwards and to the left.

Despite the alteration, the four-time major winner insisted the alterations weren’t too drastic.

“I thought it was going to be a different visual than it used to be. When I heard it had been moved back and to the left, I thought it was going to point you out towards that right bunker, and you were going to have to hit more of a draw around the corner,” he said.

“If you didn’t know, you would think you’re on the same tee box; it doesn’t look that much different. I thought it was really going to force you to hit a draw shot around the corner, but you can still hit it straight shot and keep it left of the trap. It’s not as drastic as I thought it was going to be.”

Can Rory McIlroy win The Masters next week?

Despite consistently making cuts, McIlroy’s game could be in better shape. He can’t quite keep up with the pace set by Scottie Scheffler, who appears to be winning or in contention nearly every week.

The 34-year-old’s mediocre form could work in his favour. The expectation is pretty low, which could see him play with slightly more freedom.

• READ MORE: What does Rory McIlroy need to do win The Masters?

This view is shared by Sky Sports pundit Gary Murphy, who believes expectation can sometimes work against McIlroy.

“I actually don’t mind that I would hate if Rory was doing a Scottie Scheffler at the moment. The expectation would be absolutely ferocious,” he told the Sky Sports Golf Podcast.

“Playing in Valero will be good. I’d like to see him go to Augusta as late as possible, turn up and just play, he knows that place inside out.”