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Rory McIlroy sparked controversy at the Masters by practicing at Augusta National in the weeks leading up to the event. Did he gain an unfair advantage?
Competitor Micheal Kim chimed in on the debate at tournament’s end. In doing so, he revealed a loophole for unlimited course access which he did not exploit.
The discussion was ignited over the weekend when McIlroy admitted to making multiple day trips to Georgia in preparation for the major.
He skipped out on the three tournaments that preceded the Masters in order to practice on site. The move paid off with a second straight Green Jacket.
Did extra practice give Rory McIlroy an unfair advantage at the Masters?
That answer is a bit blurry. Given McIlroy’s history of success, he likely has a bit more pull in terms of course access. He also has the funds and flexibility to skip PGA Tour events and fly into another state for practice rounds.
Those are the perks that come with being a major champion.
The two-time Masters winner said the extra prep helped. He felt comfortable on the course. He never got flustered with a bad shot. There was always a sense that he could recover given his familiarity with Augusta National.
Rory McIlroy talked all week about how many times he came to Augusta National to prepare in recent weeks. I asked whether this was the most prepared he felt in a major.
“I joked last week and going into this week that this place feels like my home course. I haven’t played… pic.twitter.com/HLsWNEkPtF
— Cameron Jourdan (@Cam_Jourdan) April 13, 2026
It was undoubtedly an advantage for McIlroy. There’s a reason he took the approach. But did he gain an unfair edge?
Michael Kim says no.
His response to the situation hit on a few different reasons as to why. For starters, he had a chance to do the same but opted against it.
Yes, there’s a number of rounds that Augusta National Golf Course will say no to for me to go by myself and play by myself. That number is probably a little lower for me than a guy like Rory.
If you find a member to host you every time, there’s no limit.
I had plenty of chances to go to ANGC myself if I wanted to but didn’t go. Better use of my time practicing at home or wherever I am to get my game in better shape for my next tournament.
Course knowledge only gets you so far. Plenty of golfers have even more experience at Augusta than Rory like Justin Rose.
Once golfers receive their Masters invites, they can schedule tee times in Augusta. This goes for all participants.
Kim also detailed a loophole to gain even more access, though it’s one that shouldn’t come as a surprise. If you have a relationship with club members, your time on the course can be unlimited the golfer said. There are no restrictions against being hosted by a regular.
From all accounts, Rory McIlroy did not exploit that loophole in his Masters prep. He suggested that these rounds were sporadic across a three-week span.
It’s also worth noting that Kim acknowledged Augusta National’s attempts to limit individual practice sessions. The venue wants to keep competition on an even playing field as best possible.
He continued on to quiet the narrative of McIlroy’s supposed edge.
“It is not unfair or an advantage. It’s irrelevant to the result is my point… If I wanted to match the number of the rounds at Augusta that Rory got, I easily could have done that.”
-@Mike_kim714 / X
Rory McIlroy did not have an unfair advantage at the Masters. He did something his competitors could’ve. Most chose instead to play in other events or practice elsewhere.
The tournament was won fair and square.