McIlroy says he does not want to give up Masters green jacket ahead of Augusta return

Rory McIlroy has said he does not want to give up the Masters green jacket as he returns to Augusta National to defend his title.

BBC Sport NI published a video interview with McIlroy on Tuesday, ahead of the start of the 2026 Masters on April 9. The interview was conducted by Stephen Watson at Augusta National.

McIlroy arrives as the defending champion after finally winning the Masters last year. AP coverage earlier this month described him as shedding the burden of winning the green jacket and noted that the pressure of conquering Augusta has now shifted to other contenders.

The official Masters invitee list includes McIlroy in the 2026 field, and the tournament will once again focus on whether he can hold on to the title at one of golf’s most demanding venues.

The latest comments do not change the competitive picture, but they do add a fresh player voice to Masters week and underline how much the green jacket means to him going into the tournament.