Augusta, GA
Rory McIlroy’s Plane Tracked at Augusta National in Prep for The Masters
Rory McIlroy is leaving nothing to chance at the next edition of the Masters Tournament. As proof, he has made not one, but two recent visits to Augusta National Golf Club to scout the legendary course.
The X account @radaratlas2, which tracks aircraft movements around the world, reported on Monday that McIlroy’s private 2022 Gulfstream G650ER, registration N1989R, is in Augusta, Georgia. In other words, the Northern Irishman is on another exploratory trip.
It is the 4-time Major champion’s second visit to the site of the season’s first Major in less than a week. McIlroy also made a stop at Augusta National on his way to the Houston Open on March 25.
The 28-time PGA Tour winner has openly stated that one of his goals for the remainder of his professional career is to win the Masters Tournament. There is no doubt that he is doing everything he can to shorten the wait.
“Winning the Masters, winning an Olympic medal and another away Ryder Cup, they are my three goals for the rest of my career,” McIlroy told BBC Sport last January.
“I’ve been agonisingly close for the past few years, without being able to get it done and that is the main focus of this year,” he added.
Andrew Redington/Getty Images
The Northern Irishman is having another exceptional season, with two victories in just five PGA Tour events. His victories have come in very strong events such as the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and The PLAYERS Championship.
In addition to his wins, he has three other top-20 finishes, including a tie for fifth at the Houston Open, his start right before the Masters Tournament.
Should he win the Masters, McIlroy would become only the sixth player in history to complete a career Grand Slam (seventh, including the special case of Bobby Jones).
McIlroy is one of only three active players to miss just one of the four legs of the coveted feat. He is joined by Jordan Spieth, who missed the PGA Championship, and Phil Mickelson, who has failed to win the U.S. Open.
The 35-year-old has been close to the Green Jacket on several occasions, but has not been able to pull it off. His runner-up finish in 2022 stands out, although some of his late collapses are famous, such as in 2011 when he led after 54 holes but shot an 80 on Sunday to finish T15.
More Golf: Rory McIlroy Reveals What Needs to be ‘Figured Out’ Ahead of the Masters
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Shoppers in Augusta will soon lose a longtime retail option, as Lane Bryant’s store inside Augusta Mall is set to close for good this weekend.
Employees at Lane Bryant inside Augusta Mall confirmed that the store will permanently close starting Sunday, April 19.
After the closure, the nearest Lane Bryant location for customers will be in Lexington.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
With deepest and heartfelt sympathy, G. L. Brightharp & Sons announces the transition of Mr. Willie J. Tanksley who entered into rest April 18, 2026.
Mr. Tanksley, a native of Richmond County, was a 1985 graduate of the Academy of Richmond County. He was a member of Greater Young Zion Baptist Church where he served in the Brotherhood Ministry.
Survivors include his wife, Sabrina Tanksley; two daughters, Ashley Tanksley and Taylor Tanksley; siblings, Elise Tanksley of Augusta, GA, Wilhelmina Roland of Atlanta, GA, Terry Tanksley, Tommy Tanksley, Watler Tanksley and Elder Claude (Kimberly) Tanksley all of Augusta, GA; an aunt, Frances Tate; an uncle, James Tanksley; mother-in-law, Sandra Harrison of Beech Island, SC; father-in-law, Jimmy (Elnora) Bing; three sisters-in-law, Fonda Rainey, Nicole Harrison and Nina Bing; a brother-in-law, Eric Bing; a host of nieces , nephews, along with other loving relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Greater Young Zion Baptist Church with the Rev. William A. Blount officiating. Interment will follow at Walker Memorial Park. Viewing will be held from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM Monday at the funeral home.
The family will not be receiving visitors at the home. We ask that you continue to pray for them during this time.
Professional Services are under the compassionate care of G. L. Brightharp & Sons Mortuary-North Augusta.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Former Richmond County Sheriff Richard Roundtree’s funeral was held on Friday morning.
The funeral began at 11 a.m. at Good Shepherd Baptist Church, the Rev. Karlton Howard officiating.
WATCH THE FUNERAL
Interment will follow at Noah’s Ark Baptist Church Cemetery in Waynesboro.
A viewing was held on Thursday at Good Shepherd Baptist Church from 2-6 p.m.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
- Classmate remembers former Sheriff Richard Roundtree ahead of funeral
- Funeral announced for former Richmond County Sheriff Richard Roundtree
News 12 first learned of Roundtree’s passing on April 11. He’d been in a metro Atlanta hospital with serious medical issues.
Several people spoke during the funeral service, but one deputy in particular spoke of Roundtree’s leadership.
“He was more than a sheriff. He was an innovator. He looked for better ways to serve. He led with integrity, courage and genuine commitment,” said the deputy.
Roundtree, 57, was the head law enforcement officer in Augusta for more than a decade − and when he took office in 2012, notably no sheriff had been like him.
He was the first African American elected to the title, something he spent a career working toward.
He was highly visible in the community, where he could frequently be seen in a vest, working a crime scene along with his deputies.
Former classmate Clarence Brown said he was proud of Roundtree for his work.
“I was proud of him for, for actually, you know, getting to that level. But at the same time I realized that that’s a heavy weight, especially being from the community, um, and, and to draw in the community,” Brown said. “And so I wanted him to know that there was somebody in his corner that didn’t need anything.”
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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