Rory McIlroy discovers Masters playing partner before anyone else

Rory McIlroy will play alongside a "super nervous" Mason Howell, a teenager who is yet to start his university studies, when the Masters gets underway on Thursday.

Howell will be one of McIlroy's playing partners for the opening two rounds at Augusta National after he bypassed Tiger Woods to become the third-youngest winner of the U.S. Amateur in August.

As a result, the 18-year-old received an invitation to three majors, as well as a tee time alongside the defending Masters champion, which happens to be one of his idols, Rory McIlroy.

"I'll be super excited, but at the same time I'll be super nervous," Howell said on Monday. "I think just controlling my emotions and sticking to my game plan, and just having fun."

"Rory was one of my idols growing up, so it'll be a super special moment for me," the teenager added. "I can't oggle at his game too much. I got to focus on myself. It'll be fun."

Howell, who has committed to play for the University of Georgia in 2026, competed in a practice round with Harris English on Monday as he prepares to make his much-anticipated Masters debut.

Rory McIlroy plays his shot from the eighth tee during a practice round prior to the 2026 Masters. Image credit: Getty

Harris English has already given Mason Howell some valuable advice

English, a University of Georgia alumnus who shot a final-round 68 at last year's Masters, has given fans an insight into Howell's talent as the teenager prepares to play alongside McIlroy.

"I've known Mason for a long time now. I was really excited about his win at the U.S. Amateur," said English.

"I think this is my seventh Masters, so just little stuff that I can help him with. I know his brain is spinning right now. I can't imagine what he's going through at 18 years old and playing in the Masters for the first time.

"He's getting to play with Rory for the first couple of rounds. Talked about that some. Just told him, 'Take it all in, but manage your time well. Don't get lost in everything. This is just another golf tournament.'"

English added: "We grew up at the same club, Glen Arven. I remember him as a little kid, eight or nine years old, probably. Had a good crew down there. Got a lot of good young junior golfers down there that are very competitive."

English added: "Another one that's playing at Georgia this year is Mason. It's awesome to see. We had some good players around my era, and it's nice to see the next wave come through. I don't know what is in the water down there, but they're doing some good things at Glen Arven."

Tee times for the Masters are yet to be confirmed, but the action will get underway on Thursday (April 9). McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler are the pre-tournament favourites.