Rory McIlroy, the reigning Masters champion, has made his ambitions clear as he prepares to return to Augusta National for this year's tournament. In an exclusive interview with BBC Sport NI's Stephen Watson, McIlroy expressed his determination to retain the iconic Green Jacket he won last year.
"I don't want to give it up!" McIlroy declared when discussing his championship status.
The Northern Irish golfer, who captured his first Masters title in 2026 after years of near-misses at Augusta, spoke about the unique experience of returning as defending champion. He described the special feeling of wearing the Green Jacket around the hallowed grounds and his excitement about hosting the traditional Champions Dinner.
McIlroy revealed he's already planning his menu for the exclusive gathering of past Masters winners, though he kept specific details under wraps. "It's an incredible honor to choose the meal," he said. "I want to make it memorable for everyone."
When asked about his approach to this year's tournament, McIlroy emphasized that winning once has only increased his hunger for success. "That victory lived up to every expectation," he said. "Now I want to experience it again."
The 37-year-old acknowledged the pressure that comes with defending a major championship but said he's embracing the challenge. "Augusta demands your absolute best," McIlroy noted. "I've learned what it takes to win here, and I'm ready to put that knowledge to work again."
McIlroy's victory last year completed his career Grand Slam, making him only the sixth golfer in history to win all four major championships. His return to Augusta as defending champion marks a significant moment in a career that has seen him spend over 100 weeks as world number one.
As Masters week approaches, all eyes will be on McIlroy to see if he can become the first golfer since Tiger Woods in 2001-2002 to successfully defend the Green Jacket.