The World Number 2, Rory McIlroy, has mentioned multiple times that he is a history guy, which means that he likes the way things have been done before and is opposed to changes. Recently, he showed this once again as he recently claimed that the changes made to the Riviera Golf Course’s 4th tee for the 2026 Genesis Invitational are pretty horrible
In an interview, the golfer discussed the course alterations, noting that when the Genesis Invitational was played on the course in 2024, 15% of golfers were able to hit the green, but this time, things have changed drastically. He also advised that if the course wanted to convert the 18th hole to a 275-yard par-3, they should modify the apron going up to the green.
According to an X post by Golf Monthly, Rory McIlroy explained,
“I don’t think four plays any differently; you’re just hitting a slightly longer club. I actually think it’s a horrible change. 15% of the field hit the green last time when it was played at its original yardage at 230. If you want it to be a 275-yard par 3, you have to change the apron leading up onto the green.”
Later, McIlroy explained why the Kikuyu grass plant should not be in a 275-yard par-3 hole. He claimed that the grass should be of a different variety to help players get the ball on the green. The World Number Two stated,
“It can’t be kikuyu, it has to be another type of grass that can help you run it onto the green because, again, in the right conditions, you try to fly that ball on the green, it’s landing, you know, with a three iron, it’s going to land, it’s going to finish up on the fifth tee box. So that’s sort of what I mean of why it’s not a great change.”
Apart from all this, McIlroy recently also revealed that he plans to visit Augusta National shortly.
Rory McIlroy is going to be at Augusta National next week
In 2025, Rory McIlroy made history by being the sixth golfer to accomplish a career grand slam. He achieved this monumental feat by winning the 2025 Masters, and it’s worth noting that McIlroy will return to Augusta National next week. In a recent interview, he revealed his ambitions to play with the chairman on the course. According to Tennis World USA, McIlroy stated,
“I’m going to go up there and play with the chairman next week, actually. It wasn’t even a round. I was doing some filming up there. It was cool to get up to the champions’ locker room and see my nameplate alongside the other two champions that I share a locker with. It was somewhat nostalgic. I wouldn’t say it was emotional, but definitely there was nice memories; different feels the first time staying on site without having to need a member there.”
Returning to the Genesis Invitational, Rory McIlroy is going to play in the opening round along with Collin Morikawa, and Tommy Fleetwood will begin their first round on February 19 at 09:08 AM local time.
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