Major Concern Looms for Augusta

It’s only 10 days away…

Rory McIlroy revealed he is nursing an elbow injury just days before his latest quest to complete the career Grand Slam at Augusta National. The world No. 2 confirmed the issue after his final-round 65 at the Houston Open, casting uncertainty over his preparation for the season’s first major.

Painful Push in Houston

Despite visible discomfort, McIlroy mounted a vintage charge up the leaderboard Sunday with a front-nine 31 featuring an eagle. His T5 finish (65-64 weekend) showcased trademark resilience, but the Northern Irishman admitted: “I’ve got some treatment to get through before Augusta.”

Equipment Tweak Shows Urgency

The four-time major winner made a telling mid-tournament adjustment to his driver setup: “Took some loft off to reduce spin, especially on cuts – crucial for Augusta’s doglegs.” This technical refinement, coupled with scheduled sessions with coach Michael Bannon this week, underscores McIlroy’s determination to solve his Masters puzzle.

Augusta Demons Linger

McIlroy’s Masters heartbreak is well-documented:

• 2022 runner-up to Scheffler
• Missed cut in 2023
• T22 in 2024
  The 35-year-old hasn’t won any major since the 2014 PGA Championship, making this year’s Masters arguably the most consequential of his career.

Race Against Time

Withdrawing from this week’s Valero Texas Open, McIlroy’s preparation now hinges on:

1. Elbow rehabilitation
2. Short-game sharpening (“critical at Augusta”)
3. Iron play refinement after inconsistent Houston ball-striking

“Comfort is key now,” McIlroy stressed. “These next days determine whether I arrive at Augusta as a contender or a question mark.”

As golf’s ultimate prize glows on the Georgia horizon, the sport’s most compelling redemption story hangs in the balance – with an ailing elbow potentially writing another dramatic chapter in McIlroy’s tortured Masters history.