RORY MCILROY ADMITTED today that he thinks about winning the US Masters every day as he chases a career grand slam that few in golf have achieved.
The world number one, rekindling his rivalry with Adam Scott at this week’s Australian Open in Sydney, has claimed the other three majors — British Open, US Open and US PGA — with only the Masters left to complete the set.
It has been a memorable year for the Northern Irishman, helping inspire Europe to victory over the United States in the Ryder Cup, and named the US PGA Tour Player of the Year after winning back-to-back major titles at the British Open and PGA Championship.
He also captured the world number one 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 next year.”
- 10-15 years more at top of game -
World number three Scott, who was beaten at the final hole by McIlroy at last year’s Australian Open, said his Irish rival was motivating all golfers to be better.
“Rory’s taken his game up a notch and that’s inspired me to work harder because he’s got to have more motivation than ever for what’s upcoming for him next year,” the Australian said.
“He’s got a chance to complete things in a career that only so few have done, so he’s going to be really motivated.”
McIlroy said the 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 that 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.”
McIlroy added that his stellar year had put increasing demands on his time, but it would not distract his focus.
“It’s something that 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 said. “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, he said he planned to play into his forties.
“I’m 25, and I think I’ve got another 10-15 year window of playing great golf and win big tournaments and I’m going to do everything I can to be as successful as I can,” he said.
