Golf Announcers Fed Up With Idea Rory McIlroy Had 'Unfair' Advantage

There's been a growing idea on social media, suggesting that Rory McIlroy had an "unfair advantage" at The Masters this year.

McIlroy, won has won two straight times at The Masters - first in 2025, now in 2026 - admitted that he's played Augusta National several times leading into the tournament. McIlroy joked that Augusta National has essentially become his home course.

"I joked last week and going into this week, this place feels like my home course," McIlroy said during a press conference after his win on Sunday. "I haven't played anywhere else in the last two or three weeks, really. So I felt prepared in that way. I felt prepared that wherever I hit it on the golf course, I sort of know what to do. I know where to miss, I'm pretty comfortable with all the shots around the greens. I think it's a good blueprint."

McIlroy, who is from Northern Ireland but lives in Florida, took his private jet to Augusta several times leading into the tournament, sparking a debate. Did all golfers have that some privilege?

Some criticized McIlroy, suggesting he had an unfair advantage.

"Rory McIlroy said he skipped tournaments leading up to The Masters, & instead, drop his kid at school, take a private jet to Augusta to play a practice round, & then be home for dinner. Why is he allowed to have an unfair advantage? No wonder he's -12," Jon Root shared.

But golf announcers have shot that down.

Golf media shoots down idea McIlroy had unfair advantage

The golf media, including announcers Brandel Chamblee and Kevin Kisner, shot it down on Monday.

"Every single professional player who qualified for the Masters could go early and play as many practice rounds as they wish. Just as so many others, including Jack Nicklaus, have done in the past. The only advantage Rory had over the field was his considerable skill," Chamblee said.

Kisner, on Barstool's "Fore Play" podcast, shot it down, too.

"I think he means, he came up here four times," Kisner said.

"Who cares how many times he went? Everyone else can go just as much as they want. They just can't beat him."

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This story was originally published April 13, 2026 at 12:31 PM.