Rory McIlroy gesture sees Masters fans gasp during practice round at Augusta
Rory McIlroy will be one of the main attractions at Augusta as the defending champion at the Masters, and the Northern Irishman demonstrated why he’s so popular
Rory McIlroy presented a young supporter with his glove after completing his practice round at Augusta on Tuesday. The defending Masters champion has been at the venue since the weekend.
He has been taking part in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur and the Drive, Chip and Putt competition, embracing his responsibilities as a Green Jacket holder seriously. The Northern Irishman has even won over the traditional members.
McIlroy ensured he maintained his exemplary status with another classy moment just beside the 18th green. As he left with Tom McKibbin and their caddies alongside him, one bold supporter requested McIlroy’s glove.
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The 36-year-old didn’t think twice and threw the glove towards the youngster. The spectators surrounding 18 gasped and cheered McIlroy’s action.
As the Scottish family walked away from the green they were absolutely delighted, grins spread across their faces. The mum embraced her son warmly and told Mirror US, “Pretty good!”
As they hurried off along the edge of the 10th it was all they could manage not to discuss what had just occurred, noting that they were eager to inform family and friends. The action itself is nothing unusual for golfers, or indeed McIlroy, but it captures the sort of spirit he’s displayed this week.
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The Grand Slam champion says he has arrived back at Augusta National feeling entirely different, euphoric and in a far more relaxed frame of mind than previously. Speaking later that day on Tuesday, McIlroy said, “It feels absolutely incredible.
“Can’t believe it was 12 months ago that I was sitting here and sort of trying to take it all in. Yeah, to be able to come back and do this press conference in a green jacket, that feels pretty good. It’s been an amazing 12 months, bringing this thing all around the world, the excitement on people’s faces when they see it, the excitement that I still get putting it on.
“But just this week, got here on Saturday, spent a little bit of time at the ANWA, at the Drive, Chip and Putt on Sunday. Got to play with my dad, which was special for both of us, on Sunday afternoon. I keep saying this, it’s a dream come true. It’s incredible. I really tried to embrace and enjoy every part of it.
“I’ve got one more thing to try to embrace and enjoy tonight at the Champions Dinner, then I’ll be able to turn my full attention to getting ready for the golf tournament. Yeah, it’s been amazing.”
McIlroy has never turned up at Augusta National this early ahead of the Masters. That alone is insignificant. But he’s been so delighted by the whole thing, he’d be content if the major never actually began. “I would have never gotten up here this early. I would have never arrived on a Saturday,” he said.
“I usually arrive earliest Sunday night but probably Monday, Monday evening. I think for the past 17 years I just could not wait for the tournament to start, and this year I wouldn’t care if the tournament never started (laughter). That’s sort of the difference.
“Yeah, it’s completely different. I feel so much more relaxed. I know that I’m going to be coming back here for a lot of years, going to enjoy the perks that the champions get here.
“It doesn’t make me any less motivated to go out there and play well and try to win the tournament, but yeah, just more relaxed about it all.”
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