Rory McIlroy has golf fans buzzing as he approaches The Masters with incredible momentum and a surprising twist that’s sparked intense curiosity. The Northern Irishman, already dominating 2025 with two PGA Tour wins before April, confirmed a troubling elbow injury after a strong performance at the Texas Children’s Houston Open. With his form screaming “favorite” for Augusta, this unexpected hurdle raises a critical question: could his own body sabotage his best chance at the green jacket in over a decade?

Let’s step back to Houston. McIlroy didn’t claim the title, as Min Woo Lee outlasted him, but his week at Memorial Park showcased resilience. His scores improved each round, culminating in a sizzling 64 on Sunday that briefly put him in contention. He settled for a top-five finish, a result that felt more promising than another trophy. Why? It’s the first time in his career he’s bagged two PGA Tour victories, at AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and The Players Championship, before spring hits. This isn’t the Rory who shines and fades; this is a Rory building toward something massive.

Then came the bombshell. Speaking to NBC after his final round, McIlroy dropped a bombshell: “Right elbow has been bothering me a little bit, so maybe get some treatment on that and make sure that is okay going into Augusta.” He said it casually, but it sent ripples through the golf world. His coach is flying in, treatment is lined up, and he has one week to fix it before the first major. For a player leading the 2025 tour conversation, this isn’t a side note; it’s a game-changer.

Adding intrigue, McIlroy’s been fine-tuning his game mid-flight. Before Sunday in Houston, he adjusted his driver by reducing the loft, and his tee shots sharpened. “I definitely drove the ball better today,” he told reporters. “I saw some putts go in, and I thought I got better as the week went on.” He’s not perfect, having frittered away a three-shot lead at TPC Sawgrass before winning in a playoff, but he’s winning messy. In golf, that’s often the mark of a champion poised to peak at the right moment.

Here’s the twist: McIlroy’s past looms large. It’s been over ten years since his last major, a drought that’s fueled endless debate. He’s faltered at Augusta before, battling aggression, inconsistency, and pressure. But 2025 feels fresh. He’s not crushing fields with flawless play; he’s grinding out wins and tweaking flaws on the fly. A fifth-place finish in Houston, elbow issue included, hints he’s timing his surge perfectly. If Scottie Scheffler’s 2024 was a sprint, McIlroy’s 2025 could be the marathon that lands at Augusta National.

Is the elbow a real problem or a sly distraction? Some, like Dan Rapaport on Dan on Golf, suspect McIlroy’s playing chess, dodging the hype. Others see it as a legitimate worry for a 35-year-old frame with miles of wear. Either way, the stakes are sky-high. McIlroy’s never been this strong this early. He’s winning despite rust, adjusting in real time, and flashing a toughness absent in past major chases. If he can shake this injury, or use it to lower the heat, he might hit Augusta with the ideal blend of form and focus.

Fans are electric, and it’s no wonder. McIlroy’s not just after a fifth major; he’s after redemption. An elbow tweak won’t kill the excitement, but it could make the tale sweeter or sadder. One thing’s for sure: when he steps to the tee at The Masters, every eye will watch that right arm, and every fan will hope it carries him to the ride of his career.