Rory McIlroy has hit back at accusations that he had an unfair advantage in winning his second consecutive Masters title. The Northern Irishman became only the fourth man to retain the green jacket on Sunday, but faced criticism after admitting he played Augusta National regularly in the weeks leading up to the tournament.
McIlroy, 36, took advantage of the rule that allows defending champions to play the course whenever they wish. He pulled out of three events before the Masters, explaining: 'I honestly just don't like the three tournaments leading up to this event. I did a couple days where I dropped Poppy off to school, flew up here, played, landed back home and had dinner with her. The more time I could spend up here, the better.'
When asked if he felt he had an unfair advantage, McIlroy told reporters: 'I joked last week and going into this week, this place feels like my home course. I haven't played anywhere else in the last two or three weeks really.' He added that his preparation mimicked that of Jack Nicklaus, who would simulate a tournament the week before a major.
However, some golf fans took issue with McIlroy's approach. One said: 'Sorry but this is one of the most undeserved Masters wins in history… Rory literally played Augusta every day for a month straight before the tournament.' Another claimed: 'He's not breaking any rules, but he is EXPLOITING the existing rules.'
Scottie Scheffler, who finished second, was also entitled to the same practice opportunities. McIlroy insisted his routine was legitimate: 'I certainly think that's a good way to prepare going into the next majors.'
