Rory McIlroy keeping special trinket close in bid for Masters repeat

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Superstitions are commonplace at the Masters. Many competitors make a point of losing the Wednesday Par-3 Contest, knowing that no one who has triumphed in the hit-and-giggle has gone on to win a green jacket the same year. Some Masters winners will keep renting the same home they used in their victory year, hoping the positive mojo stays with them.

Defending champion Rory McIlroy isn’t superstitious, but he’s keeping one item close as he bids to become only the fourth repeat winner at Augusta National Golf Club.

It’s not the house — McIlroy isn’t renting the same accommodation he used in 2025. It’s a pounamu, a New Zealand greenstone that is considered sacred in Maori culture. McIlroy wore the stone while driving down Magnolia Lane each day during Masters week last year, when he completed the career grand slam with a thrilling playoff win over Justin Rose.

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland celebrates winning the 2025 Masters Tournament after the first playoff hole on the 18th green at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2025 in Augusta, Georgia.

He was presented with the pounamu by Sir John Key, a former prime minister of New Zealand and a member of Augusta National. Key was part of a group golf trip McIlroy took to New Zealand in December, 2024. New Zealand native Ryan Fox joined the group at TaraIti and also received a stone from Key, which he wore on his way to winning the Myrtle Beach Classic on the PGA Tour last May. McIlroy confirmed to Golfweek that he’s keeping the stone close for the 2026 Masters.

“I’m going to keep it in the bag,” he said. “I had such a great time on that trip. I’ve kept it all the way along. It’s a cool link back to a great experience.”

McIlroy arrived in Augusta on Saturday. After presenting prizes during Sunday’s Drive, Chip and Putt event for juniors, he teed off at 1 p.m. with his father, Gerry, and Augusta National members Jimmy Dunne and Michael Walrath.

He spent Monday and Tuesday of last week practicing at the course, one of several trips he has made in the month since he last competed at the Players Championship.

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Rory McIlroy’s special trinket in bid for Masters repeat

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