- Rory McIlroy is set to defend his green jacket at Augusta, a year after completing his career Grand Slam with a play-off victory.
- The Northern Irishman will tee off at 10:31 am local time (3:31 pm BST) alongside Players Champion Cameron Young and 2025 US Amateur winner Mason Howell.
- McIlroy is aiming to become only the fourth golfer, and the first in 24 years, to secure back-to-back Masters titles.
- He has adopted a different preparation strategy as a defending champion, arriving earlier for ceremonial duties, but feels more relaxed about the tournament.
- The event officially commences at 7:25 am with honorary starters Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Tom Watson, with the first competitive tee-off at 7:40 am.
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