Rory McIlroy says preparation at ‘home course’ Augusta aided Masters defence

• Northern Irishman praises ‘good blueprint’ from Nicklaus

• Scottie Scheffler ‘surprised’ by conditions on Friday

Rory McIlroy has explained how weeks of preparation at “home course” Augusta National after advice from Jack Nicklaus played a substantial role in his successful ­Masters defence.

Rather than play in PGA Tour events in the lead up to the Masters and despite a back injury causing him competitive disruption, McIlroy spent considerable time at Augusta in the lead-up to the Masters. On one occasion, it is understood he played the front nine in 29 when playing with a single ball.