Rory McIlroy's Tee Time Draws Major Buzz Ahead Of Masters Final Round
Rory McIlroys Tee Time Draws Major Buzz Ahead Of Masters Final Round...
Golf fans across the U.S. are eagerly tracking Rory McIlroy's tee time today as the four-time major champion enters the final round of the 2026 Masters just two shots off the lead. McIlroy, who last won a major in 2014, is chasing his first green jacket and the career Grand Slam at Augusta National this afternoon.
The Northern Irish star is scheduled to tee off at 2:35 PM ET alongside current leader Scottie Scheffler in the tournament's marquee pairing. ESPN reports this is McIlroy's best Masters position entering Sunday since his runner-up finish in 2022, fueling intense interest in his performance.
Google search data shows "Rory tee time" spiked 480% in the U.S. overnight as casual and diehard golf fans alike prepare to watch the dramatic conclusion. The Masters' traditional Sunday afternoon finish and McIlroy's compelling career narrative have combined to create one of the most anticipated final rounds in recent memory.
Augusta National officials moved tee times up by 30 minutes due to forecasted afternoon thunderstorms, adding urgency to McIlroy's quest. The 36-year-old told reporters Saturday evening: "I've put myself in position, and now I need to go out and execute."
Sportsbooks list McIlroy as the second favorite at +300 odds behind Scheffler. A victory would make him just the sixth player in history to complete the career Grand Slam, joining golf legends like Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods.
CBS Sports' lead golf analyst Jim Nantz noted during Saturday's broadcast: "The entire golf world will be holding its breath when Rory steps to that first tee." The network's final-round coverage begins at 2 PM ET with featured group streaming available earlier on Masters.com.
McIlroy's last major championship came at the 2014 PGA Championship. His near-misses at Augusta include a final-round collapse in 2011 and his dramatic duel with Patrick Reed in 2018. Today represents perhaps his best chance yet to cement his legacy among golf's all-time greats.
