Rory McIlroy Heads into The Masters at Less Than 100%

Rory McIlroy will try once again to win a Green Jacket at The Masters and complete the career grand slam. However, it appears he will be dealing with a bit of an ailment, which he revealed after the conclusion of the Houston Open yesterday.

McIlroy finished T5 at the Houston Open at -15, a good sign that his game is in great shape as he heads to Augusta.

His round yesterday was a -6, one of the low rounds of the day, and as he finished, he seemed confident in his game as he plans to scout the course that has managed to evade him for 15 years: Augusta National.

🚨👀⛳️ #NEW: Rory McIlroy has arrived in Augusta for more scouting, one day after telling the media that he’s dealing with an elbow issue following the Houston Open. McIlroy also scouted Augusta on his way to last week’s event as well. (Via @radaratlas2)@TrackingRory pic.twitter.com/6s2V2OKMbb

— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) March 31, 2025

However, it does not sound like McIlroy is in tip-top shape as he hopes to lock up the career grand slam. He revealed he is dealing with a bit of a nagging elbow injury and will receive treatment over the next week and a half:

Things you absolutely do not want to hear pic.twitter.com/4mulMS9rV4

— Rory Tracker (@RoryTrackr) March 30, 2025

Rory is aiming to become the sixth golfer to win the Career Grand Slam, following Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Gene Sarazen, Tiger Woods, and Ben Hogan. He has come close to winning at Augusta on several occasions.

The first time was in 2011 when he entered the final round four shots clear of the field. However, the young Rory was shaken by the pressure of The Masters and shot a final round 80. Charl Schwartzel won the Green Jacket that year.

He also came close in 2018 as he was in the final pairing with Patrick Reed and looked to be making a move after a beautiful iron shot into the 2nd green that appeared to be a gimme for Eagle. He missed the putt, and ultimately, Reed won.

In 2022, Rory fired a final round 64 to come close to Scottie Scheffler, but the margin was too great to overcome, and McIlroy was runner-up.

Cover Image via The Toledo Blade