"McIlroy Warming Up in Houston Ahead of Major Record"

Tees Off at Texas Children's Houston Open
Checking Condition Ahead of Next Month's Masters
Career Grand Slam Awaits with a Green Jacket

World No. 2 Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) is warming up in Houston.

Rory McIlroy has chosen the Texas Children's Houston Open as a warm-up event before the Masters.

On the 27th (local time), he will check his condition at the PGA Tour Texas Children's Houston Open (total prize money $9.5 million) held at Memorial Park Golf Course (par 70, 7,475 yards) in Houston, Texas, USA. It is unusual for McIlroy, who does not participate unless it is a major or a designated elite tournament, to compete in this event. He is appearing for the first time in 11 years.

McIlroy is aiming for an incredible record this year: the career Grand Slam by winning all four different major championships. This record has been achieved by only five players: Gene Sarazen and Ben Hogan (both USA), Gary Player (South Africa), Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods (both USA).

McIlroy will challenge the sixth career Grand Slam in history at the 'Masters Tournament' starting on April 10. He first claimed a major trophy at the 2011 US Open. Afterwards, he swept the 2012 PGA Championship and both the Open Championship and PGA Championship in 2014. His best result at the Masters is runner-up in 2022. Currently, his form is excellent. He has demonstrated peak performance by winning this year's AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and The Players Championship, known as the fifth major.

Joining McIlroy in this tournament is world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler (USA). He has a fondness for Texas. Although not born there, he grew up as a golfer and still resides there. He is determined to avenge his one-stroke runner-up finish at this event last year. Korea will be represented by Im Sung-jae, Kim Si-woo, and Lee Kyung-hoon. The defending champion is Stephan Jaeger (Germany).