Rory McIlroy shares how Rafael Nadal supported him during this year’s Masters

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Rory McIlroy added another chapter to his impressive career at the 2026 Masters, becoming only the fourth player to win consecutive titles at Augusta National.

The Northern Irishman, now 36, joins an elite group of players to have done so: Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Nick Faldo.

Nadal has long held a passion for golf and is no stranger to admiring McIlroy’s game. The Spaniard has been open about his admiration for the golfer and kept in touch with him throughout the tournament.

Rory McIlroy reveals Rafael Nadal was sending him messages during The Masters

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During the Laureus awards, where he picked up the comeback of the year honour, McIlroy spoke about Nadal’s support during The Masters.

“To have his support… he’d leave me little voice notes at the end of every day and it’s really cool when you have one of the absolute legends of sport cheering you on like that.

“And him knowing what it feels like to be in that position – that’s really cool.”

Asked if he has had the chance to play golf with world number two Carlos Alcaraz yet, McIlroy said: Not yet.

“I got to meet him at the U.S. Open last year and I know he’s really loving his golf and playing quite a lot. I think he plays any day he has off during a tournament, so hopefully one day we’ll get a round in.”

Nadal is another big tennis name who loves to play golf away from his main sport. He even said a few years ago that if it wasn’t for injuries, he could have played professionally.

Away from playing, Nadal now runs an academy in Spain where promising young players go to hone their craft before entering major tours.