Podcast 318: Inside Rory McIlory's Training, Recovery, and Data-Driven Golf Strategy

On this episode of the WHOOP Podcast, WHOOP Founder and CEO Will Ahmed is joined by 4x Major Champion and 28x PGA Tour Winner, Rory McIlroy.

Ahead of Augusta, Will sits down with Rory McIlroy for an intimate conversation on mindset, pressure, and preparation. Rory reflects on his 2025 season so far—sharing how he stays grounded on the green, reframes pressure as a privilege, and taps into visualization to gain a mental edge. He opens up about using breathwork to steady first tee nerves and regulate his parasympathetic nervous system. Together, Will and Rory dive into Rory’s WHOOP data, unpacking how targeted habit changes have helped him dial in his peak performance. From tournament prep and longevity strategies to the unique demands of the Masters, Rory offers a rare look into how he approaches Augusta—why less is often more, and what to expect from the course this year. The episode wraps with candid thoughts on LIV Golf and what it really means to face adversity at the highest level of the game.

Episode Chapters

00:51 - Rory’s 2025 Season so far

01:53 - Staying resilient when the course gets tough

03:24 - Pressure as a privilege

06:42 - Visualization and mentality

12:18 - First tee nerves, breathwork, and the parasympathetic nervous system

15:12 - Rory’s WHOOP data

17:21 - Establishing habits to dial in

19:07 - How Rory preps the week of a tournament

26:28 - Longevity as an athlete

32:17 - Rory’s mindset going into the Masters

34:44 - Pressure of the Masters

36:02 - Why less is more

37:31 - Mapping out the Masters

40:25 - Thoughts on LIV

43:25 - How Rory faces adversity