Rory McIlroy LIVE: Masters controversy goes on as secret texts emerge | Golf | Sport

The response to Rory McIlroy winning another Masters title is not universally positive, with some suggesting he benefited from an unfair advantage because of the number of rounds he played at Augusta National before this year’s tournament began. Stephen A. Smith, an American television personality, claimed that, because the Northern Irishman playing the iconic course for three weeks before teeing off on Thursday, some people would deem that an unfair advantage from a gentleman’s perspective.

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However, figures within the sport have defended McIlroy, dismissing the notion of any unfairness. Michael Kim believes, however, that the reigning champion’s prior play at Augusta was irrelevant to the outcome, and Brandel Chamblee says the only advantage he has is his considerable skill, claiming that Jack Nicklaus also used to practice plenty at the course beforehand.

Follow the Express Sport live blog for all the reaction from Rory McIlroy winning the Masters…