World number two Rory McIlroy says he is battling an elbow problem heading into next week’s Masters.
The Northern Irishman finished fifth at the Houston Open on Sunday after an impressive final score of 64-under-par, but said his elbow had “bothered” him.
The Masters, which is the only one of golf’s four majors that McIlroy has yet to win, will be played at Augusta National in Georgia from April 10-13.
“My right elbow is bothering me a little bit, so maybe I’ll get some treatment and make sure everything is OK for Augusta,” the 35-year-old told Golf Channel.
“I have my trainer Michael Bannon coming in (Monday), we’re going to work and make sure everything is in good shape for a week.”
McIlroy, whose last major victory came at the 2014 US PGA Championship, is seeking to become the sixth player to complete a career Grand Slam at Augusta.
He blew a lead in the final round in 2011 before finishing tied for 15th and second behind Scottie Scheffler three years ago.
The four-time major champion has had a strong start to 2025 with PGA Tour victories at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am and The Players Championship.
“It was a solid week,” McIlroy added of his fifth-place finish in Texas, which included two rounds of 64.
“(I) still don’t think my game is 100% under control that I would like, but it’s good to have a week to work on some things.”
