McIlroy Seeks Back-to-Back Titles; Extended 17th Hole Could Decide Winner

90th Masters Tournament April 9-12 · Masters Week Begins Ahead of Opening Day · Defending Champion McIlroy Aims for Consecutive Victory · Runner-up Rose Practices Putting in Rain · Lengthened 17th Hole and Toughest 5th Hole Key Battlegrounds

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By Yang Jun-ho in Augusta
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null - Seoul Economic Daily Sports News from South Korea

No golf tournament generates anticipation quite like the Masters Tournament. Whether one considers the Masters or The Open the greatest championship, it is undeniable that Augusta National Golf Club serves as a catalyst that energizes each new golf season. Golfers welcome the Masters like the first daffodils of spring or the return of swallows.

The Masters, held as always at Augusta National in Georgia, runs April 9-12 (local time), but "Masters Week" has already begun.

When the Seoul Economic Daily visited Augusta National GC on Saturday, defending champion Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) was conducting a practice round wearing a cap marked "ANGC" (Augusta National Golf Club). He also presented awards at the junior event "Drive, Chip and Putt," enjoying a happy time. McIlroy appeared even happier with his father Gerry by his side. Past champions are allowed to bring a guest during Sunday practice rounds only, and McIlroy, enjoying this privilege for the first time, chose his father as his companion.

null - Seoul Economic Daily Sports News from South Korea
null - Seoul Economic Daily Sports News from South Korea
null - Seoul Economic Daily Sports News from South Korea
null - Seoul Economic Daily Sports News from South Korea

AI-translated from Korean. Quotes from foreign sources are based on Korean-language reports and may not reflect exact original wording.