Bridgerton, resilience, and Masters recon: Could it add up to being Rory McIlroy's year?

“I’ve gotten into ‘Bridgerton’ – I didn’t think I would,” said McIlroy. “I was very against watching it, but Erica convinced me. So we’re on a bit of a ‘Bridgerton’ kick this week, yeah."

Hundreds of trees at Augusta National were lost when Hurricane Helene blew through the course in September. Those lost include ones on the 10th hole which cost McIlroy dearly in 2011. Pic: Andrew Redington/Getty Images

It’s inescapable. Whenever Rory McIlroy turns his courtesy car onto Magnolia Lane, what he calls “noise and narrative” follow him everywhere for the duration of Masters week.

Is this McIlroy’s year? Does he have what it takes to win a green jacket?