Rory McIlroy provided an injury update to reporters during a media call on Wednesday as he prepares to defend his Masters title next month.
The 36-year-old has been battling with a back problem in recent weeks and was unable to challenge for victory at the Players Championship over the weekend, but he believes things are heading in the right direction ahead of his return to Augusta National.
“Had that little back issue the weekend at Bay Hill, which threw a spanner in the works, but I seem to have recovered from that pretty quickly,” McIlroy said.
“It was nice to get four rounds last week at The Players, even though I didn’t get myself into contention or play well enough to get into contention.
“It would have been nice to get those two extra rounds at Bay Hill, but I’m really pleased with how my body responded to that little setback and decided to put some good work in here at home over the next few weeks.
“I know defending the Masters Tournament is a pretty rare feat, and you know, it’s something that I would love to do.”
McIlroy also announced a tantalising menu for the Masters Champions Dinner, a highlight of Masters week that promises a sumptuous culinary experience.
The exclusive gathering, a unique privilege for a past winner to curate the meal for fellow champions and Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley, is scheduled for 7 April, ahead of the tournament itself, which runs from 9-12 April.
McIlroy unveiled his culinary choices during a virtual media briefing on Wednesday morning.
For the main course, guests will have the choice of Wagyu filet mignon or seared salmon. Accompanying these will be traditional Irish champ – creamy mashed potatoes with scallions, butter, and milk – alongside Brussels sprouts, glazed carrots, and Vidalia onion rings.
The meal will commence with yellowfin tuna carpaccio, followed by an array of appetisers: peach and ricotta flatbread, bacon-wrapped dates, rock shrimp tempura, and grilled elk sliders.
A classic sticky toffee pudding is set to provide a sweet conclusion.
The esteemed Champions Dinner tradition originated in 1952, with defending champion Ben Hogan hosting the inaugural event.
