Rory McIlroy Comes to Jason Kelce’s Defense Over Ex-NFL Star’s Performance at Par 3 Contest During 2026 Masters

Rory McIlroy became the 4th golfer to repeat as Masters Tournament champion after finishing 1-shot ahead of Scottie Scheffler this year.

Rory McIlroy Comes to Jason Kelce’s Defense Over Ex-NFL Star’s Performance at Par 3 Contest During 2026 Masters

Rory McIlroy and Jason Kelce (Image via Imago)

Rory McIlroy has the back of Jason Kelce. Ahead of the Truist Championship, the 6-time major champion came into the defense of the former NFL star over his performance at the Par 3 Contest during the 2026 Masters Tournament.

The Par 3 contest is a traditional single round on a nine-hole, par-27 course, which is held on Wednesday, a day before the Masters Tournament kicks off at the Augusta National. In this event, golfers have their families and close ones acting as their caddies. Sometimes the family members play shots on behalf of the golfers in this event.

This year, this event featured the likes of Kelce and renowned actor-comedian Kevin Hart. While Hart was seen carrying the bag of LIV Golf star Bryson DeChambeau, Kelce worked as the looper for Akshay Bhatia.

Kelce, the ex-Philadelphia Eagles star, spent the afternoon in a caddie suit while eating sandwiches and being his usual self. While some enjoyed this, there were many who criticized his and Hart’s participation in this event.

Before the Truist Championship at Quail Hollow this week, McIlroy appeared on the New Heights podcast of Jason Kelce and his brother, Travis Kelce. During this appearance, McIlroy was asked about whether Kelce’s performance ruined the Par 3 contest. The Northern Irish golfer did not believe that and backed the 2018 Super Bowl champion.

No. Like, I thought you were very additive to the Par 3. I think when people say grow the game, they mean different things. To me, what the real thing of growing the game is, is growing the participation in the sport, right? Getting more people to play the game.

Rory McIlroy said on New Heights podcast

The Augusta National Golf Club is known for its traditions. Fans were thus perhaps upset to see the likes of Kelce and Hart. However, despite the criticism, McIlroy is supportive of Kelce and did not have any problem having him at the course.

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Rory McIlroy is more motivated than ever after back-to-back Masters Tournament triumphs

The 2026 Masters Tournament saw Rory McIlroy retain the title and become just the 4th player to go back-to-back in this event. With this win, the golfer is more motivated than ever.

Rory McIlroy
Rory McIlroy (Image via Golf)

McIlroy, who won the event for the first time in 2025 and completed the career grand slam, seemed to be running away with the title on Friday as he opened up a 6-shot lead.

However, a 1-over par round on Saturday, along with some top performances from the rest of the chasing pack, saw his lead vanish. He entered the final round tied with Cameron Young at the top of the leaderboard.

Despite an early setback on Sunday, the golfer found his way back in. On the final hole, he was able to remain calm and composed after his 2nd shot on the par-5 hole found the bunker. While he missed a birdie putt, a close-range tap-in saw him finish 1-shot ahead of Scottie Scheffler and repeat as champion.

This week’s Truist Championship will be his first appearance since the Masters victory. While he has skipped some events, the 37-year-old is more motivated than ever in his career.

I’m excited for the road ahead. I’m excited for this week, I’m excited for Aronimink next week, Shinnecock, Birkdale, you know, like I feel like if anything I’m more motivated after what happened at Augusta this year than I’ve ever been.

Rory McIlroy said in the Truist Championship press conference

This week, the Truist Championship will be played at the Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina. This course holds a special place in the heart of McIlroy as he has won here 4 times in his career, including his first-ever PGA Tour win at the age of 20 in 2010.

After this week’s signature event, the attention will turn towards the PGA Championship next week. A strong performance from McIlroy will make him the favorite heading into the 2nd major of the year at Aronimink.

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