'Rory McIlroy has been a wonderful champion' – The Masters’ modern era

Chair of Augusta National Fred Ridley was full of praise for McIlroy on Wednesday

WONDERFUL CHAMPION: Rory McIlroy looks on while playing the seventh hole during a practice round prior to the 2026 Masters. Pic: Hector Vivas/Getty Images.

On the final day before the 2026 Masters begins, chair of Augusta National Fred Ridley took his chance to celebrate their current champion and try to shape the sport’s future.

Everything from Rory McIlroy’s conduct in the green jacket to his champion’s dinner to the recently released documentary was extolled by Ridley in his pre-tournament press conference. In 2025, Augusta National was finally good to McIlroy and, ever since, he has been good for them.