Masters champion Rory McIlroy is heading back to Augusta next week for a practice round with his father and Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley, marking his first return since winning the Green Jacket. The Northern Irishman will play the course informally before defending his title at The Masters in April.

McIlroy's return comes after a disappointing Pebble Beach Pro-Am where three double-bogeys and a triple bogey left him five shots behind winner Collin Morikawa. The world No 2 described the experience as "somewhat nostalgic" when visiting the champions' locker room and seeing his nameplate alongside other major winners. "There's a lot of perks you get with being a champion," McIlroy noted about his Augusta privileges.

Before his Augusta visit, McIlroy will compete at The Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club, seeking to regain competitive form. The forgiving layout offers better scoring opportunities than Pebble Beach's treacherous conditions. "I learned quite a bit about my game last week," McIlroy said, expressing confidence despite the big numbers that derailed his title defense. The Genesis Invitational represents another Signature Event where McIlroy aims to build momentum heading into Masters preparations.