The SIX exclusive perks only Rory McIlroy will get as returning Masters champion
Defending champion Rory McIlroy has been given six special perks on his return to The Masters at Augusta National.
McIlroy won his maiden green jacket, defeating Justin Rose in a play-off hole.
In the process, he became just the sixth player in the history of golf to win their Career Slam - all four of the sport's major tournaments.
He returns to Augusta this year hoping to win consecutive Masters titles, having recovered from a niggling back issue that threatened his participation in last month's Players Championship.
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It promises to be one of the most open Masters in the tournament's history, with 2018 champion Patrick Reed claiming that '10 to 12 guys' have a realistic opportunity of winning.
Among those will be McIlroy, who sits at number two in the PGA Tour rankings.
On Tuesday, he hosted the traditional Champions Dinner, in which all living previous winners of the Masters are invited to, as defending champion.
And he will also have access to five other perks that are also only awarded to golfers who have been presented with the green jacket.
As per BBC Sport, he will now have special parking privileges at Augusta, as he has access to a champions-only car park.
He will have access to the Champions' Locker Room, complete with a brand-new locker.
At the Champions Dinner, he will be presented with a special gold locket which will signify lifetime membership of Augusta National.
And he can now practice on the champions-only range.
The range is a members' facility which is open only to those illustrious players, meaning no television cameras or patrons are allowed in.
It is not the same length as the main practice range, but the element of privacy could no doubt be a major factor at times during the highly-pressurised Masters weekend.
And McIlroy was granted permission to play alongside his father, Gerry, in a special champions-only Masters event held last Sunday.
The Northern Irishman said he and his father were 'down three' to the team of Augusta members Jimmy Dunne and Michael Walrath over nine holes.
As for the green jacket itself, it is permanently kept in the Champions Locker Room, which is only worn during Masters week and only while in the Augusta clubhouse.
Champions are given a replica jacket to wear at various events across the rest of the year.
Speaking in his official press conference ahead of the 2026 Masters, McIlroy said: "It feels absolutely incredible [to be back as Masters champion].
"I can't believe it was 12 months ago that I was sitting here and trying to take it all in. And then to be able to come back and do this press conference in a green jacket, that feels pretty good.
"It's been an amazing 12 months, bringing this thing [the green jacket] all around the world. The excitement on people's faces when they see it. The excitement that I still get putting this on.
"Just this week, I got here on Saturday, spent time at the Drive, Chip and Putt on Sunday. Got to play with my dad, which was special for both of us, on Sunday afternoon.
"I keep saying this - it's a dream come true. It's incredible, and I've really tried to embrace and enjoy every part of it.
"I've got one more thing to try and embrace and enjoy tonight, at the Champions Dinner, and then I'll be able to turn my focus towards preparing for the golf tournament."
Topics: Rory Mcilroy, Golf
Ryan Smart