Rory McIlroy admitted yesterday (Wednesday) that he thinks about winning the Masters every day as he chases a career grand slam that few in golf have achieved.
The world No1, rekindling his rivalry with Adam Scott at this week’s Emirates Australian Open in Sydney, has claimed the other three majors – the Open Championship, the US Open and the PGA Championship –with only the Masters left to complete the set.
It has been a memorable year for the Ulsterman, who was named the PGA Tour Player of the Year after winning back-to-back major titles at the Open and PGA Championship. He won the World Golf Champion- Bridgestone Invitational in between the two major wins, and also captured the world No1 ranking.
But McIlroy is consumed by the thought of winning the major that has eluded him. He famously threw away a final round four-shot lead at Augusta in 2011 but gets another chance in April.
“Every day (thinking about Augusta). It’s the next big career goal of mine, it would complete the career grand slam,” he told a media conference.
“It’s going to be a great position in a few months’ time driving down Magnolia Lane, having the chance of winning my third major in a row and the chance to complete the career grand slam at 25.
“I know there’s going to be a lot of hype and talk about it but you just have to embrace that and I’m going in to enjoy the week the best I can and make sure I’m prepared for it.”
McIlroy went on to admit that his desire to win at Augusta was driving him to improve even more.
“I know that if I play the golf that I’m capable of, it means I have a chance to do something that’s pretty special in this game,” he said.
“The Masters is a place where I’ve had my struggles in the past and I want to put that right next year.”
Unlike last year, when McIlroy came into the tournament after a disappointing season, 2014 has been completely different.
“Obviously, I am in a completely different place 12 months on compared with last year. It just shows if you put your mind to it, you work hard and practice, and really dedicate yourself, then this is what is capable,” said McIlroy.
“This tournament gave me a lot of confidence last year for the 2014 season. It set me up a lot for this year. I took a lot of confidence from it.”
McIlroy likes his chances at the new venue of the tournament – the Australian Golf Club in Sydney, saying: “It’s a little more generous off the tee than Royal Sydney last year, but it’s very tricky around the greens. There’s a lot of run-offs, it’s a typical
Nicklaus-designed course.”
McIlroy added that his stellar year had put increasing demands on his time, but it would not distract his focus.
“It’s something I’ve had to get used to over the last couple of years because as you become more successful the demands on your time become more and more,” he continued.
“You just have to manage it as best you can. I have basically a schedule on my phone for every day that I’m either at a golf tournament or I’m not. That’s the way my life has gone, it’s very structured and very scheduled.”
Despite the pressure and demands, McIlroy revealed he plans to continue playing for years to come and perhaps into his forties.
“I’m 25, and I think I’ve got another 10-15 year window of playing great golf and winning big tournaments and I’m going to do everything I can to be as successful as I can.”
