‘I’ve been on this course so much’: Rory McIlroy credits scouting trips for stellar Masters showing

Rory McIlroy's strategic approach to Masters preparation paid dividends as he established commanding position at Augusta National. The reigning champion deliberately bypassed three PGA Tour events to maximize practice rounds at the iconic venue, allowing him to refine course management and build substantial confidence. His extensive familiarity with the layout translated into a commanding six-shot advantage, demonstrating how dedicated scouting and preparation can significantly impact major championship performance.