Next week’s Cognizant Classic in West Palm Beach is set to feature a slightly diminished star presence.
Having competed in the final two tournaments of the PGA Tour’s West Coast swing, world No. 2 Rory McIlroy plans to bypass the initial Florida event. Instead, he will travel straight to Augusta National Golf Club to ready himself for his championship defense in April.
According to a Wednesday report from Golf Channel’s Todd Lewis, McIlroy is scheduled to play a round with his father, Gerry McIlroy, and Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley.
This marks his second visit to Augusta since achieving the career Grand Slam at the venue last year.
“He had the opportunity to enter the Champions Locker and view his name displayed, an experience that greatly amplified his anticipation for defending his title,” Lewis stated.
The Masters tournament commences on April 9.
Details regarding tee times, player groupings, and broadcast information for the opening round of the Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club.
In 2025, McIlroy claimed victory in the tournament following a playoff against Justin Rose, effectively ending an 11-year dry spell without a major championship. This was among three PGA Tour victories for McIlroy last year, which also included the 2025 Players Championship and the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
The complete roster of participants for the Cognizant Classic is expected to be announced later this week.
Prior to both events, McIlroy is scheduled for a 12:08 p.m. ET tee time on Thursday at Riviera Country Club, marking the Genesis Invitational’s return to Pacific Palisades after last year’s event at Torrey Pines South Course.