Northern Irishman praises ‘good blueprint’ from Nicklaus
Scottie Scheffler ‘surprised’ by conditions on Friday
Rory McIlroy has explained how weeks of preparation at “home course” Augusta National after advice from Jack Nicklaus played a substantial role in his successful Masters defence.
Rather than play in PGA Tour events in the lead up to the Masters and despite a back injury causing him competitive disruption, McIlroy spent considerable time at Augusta in the lead-up to the Masters. On one occasion, it is understood he played the front nine in 29 when playing with a single ball.
After seeing off Scottie Scheffler by a stroke, the Northern Irishman and now six-time major winner pointed towards his deliberate buildup. “I joked last week that this place feels like my home course,” said McIlroy before leaving Augusta. “I haven’t played anywhere else in the last two or three weeks really. I felt prepared in that way. I felt prepared that wherever I hit it on the golf course, I sort of know what to do. I know where to miss. I’m pretty comfortable with all the shots around the greens.
