Rory McIlroy’s Plane Tracked at Augusta National in Prep for The Masters
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Rory McIlroy is leaving nothing to chance at the next edition of the Masters Tournament. As proof, he has made not one, but two recent visits to Augusta National Golf Club to scout the legendary course.
The X account @radaratlas2, which tracks aircraft movements around the world, reported on Monday that McIlroy’s private 2022 Gulfstream G650ER, registration N1989R, is in Augusta, Georgia. In other words, the Northern Irishman is on another exploratory trip.
It is the 4-time Major champion’s second visit to the site of the season’s first Major in less than a week. McIlroy also made a stop at Augusta National on his way to the Houston Open on March 25.
The 28-time PGA Tour winner has openly stated that one of his goals for the remainder of his professional career is to win the Masters Tournament. There is no doubt that he is doing everything he can to shorten the wait.
“Winning the Masters, winning an Olympic medal and another away Ryder Cup, they are my three goals for the rest of my career,” McIlroy told BBC Sport last January.
“I’ve been agonisingly close for the past few years, without being able to get it done and that is the main focus of this year,” he added.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland plays a shot on the 15th hole during the second round of the 2024 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 12, 2024 in Augusta, Georgia. Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland plays a shot on the 15th hole during the second round of the 2024 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 12, 2024 in Augusta, Georgia. Andrew Redington/Getty Images
The Northern Irishman is having another exceptional season, with two victories in just five PGA Tour events. His victories have come in very strong events such as the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and The PLAYERS Championship.
In addition to his wins, he has three other top-20 finishes, including a tie for fifth at the Houston Open, his start right before the Masters Tournament.
Should he win the Masters, McIlroy would become only the sixth player in history to complete a career Grand Slam (seventh, including the special case of Bobby Jones).
McIlroy is one of only three active players to miss just one of the four legs of the coveted feat. He is joined by Jordan Spieth, who missed the PGA Championship, and Phil Mickelson, who has failed to win the U.S. Open.
The 35-year-old has been close to the Green Jacket on several occasions, but has not been able to pull it off. His runner-up finish in 2022 stands out, although some of his late collapses are famous, such as in 2011 when he led after 54 holes but shot an 80 on Sunday to finish T15.
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