Golf latest: Rory McIlroy's conduct brought up as Justin Rose addresses Masters issue
Rory McIlroy's behaviour has stunned people ahead of his Masters title defence this week, with rival Justin Rose venting his own feelings.
Anticipation is building ahead of this week's Masters. A field of 91 of the world’s top golfers will take to Augusta National, Georgia, each harbouring ambitions of winning the first major of the year.
All eyes will be firmly fixed on Rory McIlroy, who finally claimed his first Green Jacket last year at the 17th attempt. McIlroy ended an 11-year drought without a major and sealed the Grand Slam by defeating Justin Rose in a nail-biting playoff. The world No. 2 could become the first player since Tiger Woods to secure back-to-back titles should he triumph once again, though that will be no easy feat given the wealth of talent at Augusta. Here, Express Sport brings you three of the latest stories from the world of golf, as Masters action gets underway this Thursday.
McIlroy's conduct
McIlroy has left Augusta National members thoroughly impressed with his exemplary conduct as reigning Masters champion. The 36-year-old has gone above and beyond in setting an example, proudly showcasing his Green Jacket around the world and attending events like the Augusta National Women's Amateur (ANWA) and the Drive, Chip and Putt contest just days before this year’s major.
The Northern Irishman also worked with Augusta National to release a 53-minute YouTube video documenting every single shot from his final round. He also played a round with Fred Ridley and took his father out on the course on Sunday.
Such behaviour has positively surprised Augusta National members. Eight-time PGA Tour winner Brad Faxon revealed details of the Ulsterman's influence while appearing on the Fried Egg podcast. Faxon said: "I think we could see a freedom in Rory like we’ve never seen before. He’s embraced this role as the champion, as the defending champion. Members of the club, Fred Ridley, have said there’s nobody that’s done more for Augusta National than what Rory has done.
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"He’s taken that jacket around the world, literally, to Australia, India, back to Ireland. He’s had a documentary made on the Grand Slam and the Masters win. He knows the history of the game. His recall, his memory, I don’t think there’s a player out there who knows what Rory does about the game. He understands and he embraces tradition.
"Do you remember what he said to Scottie when Scottie was putting the coat on him finally, in the presentation? Rory says, ‘I want to put this on myself next year’. I thought that was one of the great lines. I don’t know if they didn’t hear it or they didn’t think it was funny, I thought it was hysterical.
"Here’s the difference between Rory and Scottie, total respect to both of them, when Rory won last year, he went to the press and spent longer than anybody has ever spent. He did single interviews with other people afterwards that he’s known for years. He went into the members’ room in the clubhouse and had his family with him and his team with him and didn’t want to leave.
"And he’s been up multiple times this week, he’s played with the chairman, Fred, who actually played the back tees with him. He’s going to go up this week and watch the final nine holes for the ANWA. That’s not something other champs would do. He’s going to hand out trophies and shake hands for the Drive, Chip and Putt. He’s got his dad coming up to play a practice round with him on Sunday."
Justin Rose's telling response
Rose has shown his unwavering character by insisting he bears no psychological scars from his Augusta near misses as he prepares for another run at the coveted Green Jacket. The Englishman has finished runner-up at Augusta National on three separate occasions.
His most recent heartbreak came just 12 months ago when he was pipped by McIlroy in dramatic fashion. The 45-year-old, currently ranked ninth in the world, refuses to surrender to father time and is producing some of the finest golf of his career, having claimed victory at the Farmers Insurance Open on the PGA Tour in February. Rose has taken three weeks off to recharge his batteries for the Masters and says his close calls over the years have only increased his confidence.
Rose explained: "It only boosts my belief that I can go ahead and do it. I've pretty much done what it takes to win. I just haven't kind of walked over the line. I feel like I've executed well enough to have done the job. From that point of view, I don't feel like I have to find something in myself or do something different. I truly believe that. No, I don't feel like [the Masters] owes me anything. I come here with a good attitude.
"I look at it and think [the near misses] are racking up but I think eight players have won this tournament after finishing second the year before, which probably increases my odds if you look at the field. I can look at that and go, 'OK, that's good.'"
McIlroy's playing partner
McIlroy has already learned who one of his playing partners will be for the opening two rounds at Augusta National, despite this week's tee times yet to be confirmed. He will line up alongside amateur star Mason Howell and one further player from the 91-man field.
The 18-year-old holds the US Amateur title, an accolade that not only secures an invitation to three majors but also guarantees a tee time alongside the defending Masters champion. Howell is yet to play collegiate golf but he will be buoyed by passionate home support in Augusta, having committed to attend the University of Georgia. He will embark on the next chapter of his bright career in Athens this coming autumn.
Howell will tee it up with McIlroy on Thursday. Playing in the Masters already carries huge pressure for any player but the teenager knows he must keep his composure while playing alongside one of his "idols".
"I'll be super excited, but at the same time I'll be super nervous," he said on Monday. "I think just controlling my emotions and sticking to my game plan, and just having fun. Rory was one of my idols growing up, so it'll be a super special moment for me. I can't ogle at his game too much. I got to focus on myself. It'll be fun."
