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On his 17th attempt at Augusta National, Rory McIlroy finally completed the career Grand Slam by winning The Masters in April, claiming the one major that had eluded him for so long.
McIlroy had already built an impressive record at Augusta before this year’s breakthrough, with seven top-10 finishes and four top-fives to his name.
READ MORE: Smylie Kaufman explains why Scottie Scheffler couldn’t beat Justin Rose at TPC Southwind
The reaction across the sport was overwhelmingly positive. Fans and players alike were genuinely pleased to see him finally get it done at Augusta.
His approach into the 15th and the towering draw on 17 stood out as highlights, showcasing exactly why he’s considered one of the most unique ball-strikers in golf.
He’d come close on several occasions, but it always seemed just out of reach until this year when everything finally came together.
Looking ahead to 2026, McIlroy will return to defend his title. There’s also a chance he could find himself in one of the more unusual groupings in Masters history.
Rory McIlroy may face tricky Masters pairing in 2026
The story goes back to The Players Championship in March. McIlroy was interrupted by Luke Potter, a spectator and promising amateur golfer, during a practice round at TPC Sawgrass.
Potter, who plays for the University of Texas, reportedly brought up the 2011 Masters as McIlroy prepared to hit his tee shot on the 18th hole.
The Masters champion walked over to Potter, asked to see his phone and took it away before walking off with it.
Potter was then removed from the premises but later had his phone returned.
McIlroy declined to comment on what happened afterward, while Potter later apologised to him. “Look, I just made a mistake, and I take ownership for it. I apologize for it,” he said. “That’s about all that needs to be said. It’s just a good learning experience.”
This week, Potter is competing at the US Amateur at The Olympic Club. Sitting 32nd in the world amateur rankings, he could play his way into Augusta next year by winning either of those events or finishing as runner-up at Pinehurst No. 2.
Rory McIlroy and Luke Potter pairing at The Masters would be great viewing
If he does go on to win the event in San Francisco, he will play alongside McIlroy at the Masters next year, due to Augusta National’s tradition of pairing the previous year’s champion with the winner of the US Amateur.
In 2025, Jose Luis Ballester, now with LIV Golf, was paired with 2024 champions Scottie Scheffler.
Other big-name groupings in recent history include Viktor Hovland and Patrick Reed in 2019, Bryson DeChambeau and Jordan Spieth in 2016 and Tiger Woods and Nick Faldo in 1997.
While the opportunity to play with McIlroy at The Masters in 2026 would be the stuff that dreams are made of for Potter, the meeting on the first tee might just be a little awkward, for both men.
The fans though would love it. It has all the makings of must-see TV.
That said, the 21-year-old still has to win the US Amateur in order to secure a tee time with the Masters champion at Augusta National next year, and that in itself is incredibly difficult to do.
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