05 April 2023 , 18:47
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Rory McIlroy has claimed his past major heartaches have given him the strength to finally win the Masters this weekend.
The Ulsterman is joint favourite with world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler to claim a Green Jacket and complete his career Grand Slam. World No. 2 McIlroy has won four majors but missed the cut at his home Open at Royal Portrush and blew a four-shot lead in the final round here in 2011.
“I have had some great experiences here and some experiences I have needed to get over a little bit,” he said. “I have always said that the moments that make you vulnerable and provide the most disappointments also provide the most learning and lessons.
“I felt I learned a lot from Royal Portrush in 2019. Even missing the cut at the Players I learned from. You have to learn from those challenges and learn from some of that scar tissue that's built up. I have shown a lot of resilience over the last 15 years. I hope that continues. I am excited to have another crack at it.”
Sir Nick Faldo has claimed McIlroy’s virulent opposition to LIV Golf has helped the Northern Irishman’s strong form over the last year. “Talking to Rory, it has motivated him,” he said. “It has helped him forget the past. He is obviously playing really well. It is a little bit of oomph that he needed.”
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McIlroy blew a four shot lead in the final round in 2011 (Tribune News Service via Getty Images)The three-time Masters champion added: “It is about getting out of your own way. Physically and technically he is fine. It is just the mental part. Can he get out of his own way? Can he relax and say to himself: ‘I know what I am doing. I am really prepared and I have just got to play nicely. Just go and do it’.
“It is a historic chance to join those gentlemen (career Grand Slam winners Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods). It would be an astonishing achievement.”
McIlroy knows how important making a fast start is at Augusta (Mark Baker/AP/REX/Shutterstock)McIlroy, who has failed to break par in the opening round of his last four Masters, said: “I have just got to go and play my game. I feel my game is good enough to make birdies. I need to be patient. It always comes back to that, especially at major championships.
"If I show a lot of patience and just wait for the right time. I need to be aggressive on some holes and conservative with other holes. That is the game plan.”