Rory McIlroy has confirmed he will play in the Texas Children's Houston Open as his final tournament before heading to the Masters.
The Northern Irishman made the announcement following his victory at The Players Championship on Monday.
McIlroy defeated J.J. Spaun in a three-hole playoff at TPC Sawgrass to claim his second Players title.
"I think three weeks going in, it's a little too much, so I'll play one of the events in Texas, whether it's Houston or San Antonio, I'm sure," McIlroy said after his win.
Rory McIlroy has confirmed he will play in the Texas Children's Houston Open as his final tournament before heading to the Masters
REUTERS
The Houston Open will give the 35-year-old valuable competitive action before he once again attempts to complete the career grand slam at Augusta.
McIlroy staged a remarkable comeback during the final round at TPC Sawgrass.
He turned a four-shot deficit into a three-shot advantage on day four of The Players Championship.
Spaun forced a playoff following a lengthy delay due to the threat of lightning, which extended the tournament into Monday.
JUST IN: Red Bull face staggering losses from Max Verstappen ban ahead of Chinese Grand Prix
Rory McIlroy wins The Players on St Patrick's Day! 🍀🏆 pic.twitter.com/OQ3eAIFahz
— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) March 17, 2025
McIlroy ultimately prevailed in the three-hole playoff to secure his second victory of the 2025 PGA Tour season.
His earlier triumph came at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am at the beginning of the year.
The Players Championship win further cements McIlroy's strong form as he prepares for his upcoming attempt to complete the career grand slam at Augusta.
The Houston Open gets underway on Thursday, 27 March, allowing McIlroy a week of rest before the Masters.
This will mark McIlroy's first appearance at the event, which was won by Stephan Jaeger last year.
World No 1 Scottie Scheffler finished in a group of five players tied for second place in the 2024 tournament.
McIlroy's history at Augusta includes a second-place finish in 2022, his best result at the Masters to date.
His most infamous Masters moment came in 2011 when he surrendered a four-stroke advantage on the final day.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
- Thomas Tuchel involved in awkward phone call with England star ahead of Albania World Cup qualifying clash
- Travis Kelce makes feelings clear on weddings after Taylor Swift engagement rumours swirled before Super Bowl
- Lewis Hamilton called out for behaviour on team radio after nightmare Ferrari debut at Australian Grand Prix
That collapse saw McIlroy card what was described as the worst round in history by a player leading after the third round of the Masters.
Despite his past disappointments at Augusta, McIlroy has issued a warning to his rivals that he believes his career is still on an upward trajectory.
When asked if his best golf still lay ahead of him, McIlroy responded with confidence.
Rory McIlroy won his second title of 2025 at the Players Championship
REUTERS
"Absolutely," he said.
The four-time major champion elaborated on his belief in his future potential.
"I don't think I should be out here if I didn't believe my best golf was in front of me," McIlroy stated.
