Somewhere, in the background, Rory McIlroy hears a clock ticking. Why bide your time? And as the world number three fine-tunes his way into this 80th edition of the Masters tournament, his eighth time to compete on the hallowed turf, there is an understated determination to complete the career Grand Slam: “I feel like I’ve got everything to become a Masters champion!”
With a sense that he was usurped by Jordan Spieth and Jason Day last season, the Northern Irishman – with four Majors to his name but still missing a Masters title and the final leg of the career Grand Slam – has targeted this season's opening Major here at Augusta National with precision but has also sought to stay in control of his own destiny.
Unlike previous years when he took in reconnaissance trips to this piece of golfing paradise, McIlroy baulked at undertaking any advance visits.
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Instead, he worked with his coach Michael Bannon at The Bears club in Florida last week, ahead of arriving down Magnolia Lane on Monday, and has engaged in some friendly if competitive wagers in his practice rounds.
There is both a calmness and eager anticipation about him, a balancing act to get it all right.
"I think each and every year that passes that I don't win, it will become increasingly more difficult. So there is no time like the present to get it done," said McIlroy, who – facilitating TV? – has been handed the latest possible tee-time in the first round when he, along with Martin Kaymer and Bill Haas, fill the final grouping.
More relaxed
McIlroy – without a win on tour, either in Europe or the United States, so far this season – has played 36 holes of practice, playing one ball throughout, whether it finished up in the pine straw or in the trees, rather than indulging in playing a second ball, in order to sharpen his game.
“I’m just trying to approach it in a more relaxed way and not overthink it, not overdo it. You can obviously relax too much, but you can also consume yourself with it, which I don’t think is a good idea either.”
A year ago, McIlroy arrived into Augusta with his quest for the final leg of the career Grand Slam – to go with his US Open, British Open and two US PGA titles – consuming every move and every thought.
By the time he played 27 holes, he was three-over par and Spieth was running away.
That McIlroy’s changed approach for the remaining 45 holes saw him leapfrog up the leaderboard to eventually finish fourth has served him well for this latest attempt for a green jacket.
If the jigsaws and games of monopoly in the rented house have served to occupy some of his time away from the course, along with his gymwork, McIlroy’s intent is still on claiming that final missing link to the Slam. Only, this time, on the outside, the quest is more understated.
“I feel a little bit more subdued going out this time because I haven’t had a win this year. But I feel like my game is right there. I feel good . . . . it’s definitely a motivation to be able to put your name alongside those five guys. I didn’t really have the chance to win the tournament last year.”
Only five players – Gene Sarazen, Gary Player, Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods – have ever previously completed the Grand Slam.
Of the current generation, only Phil Mickelson (who has never won the US Open) and McIlroy are within touching distance. Here and now, the focus is on McIlroy. He seems more comfortable about it this time than a year ago.
“This is one I wish I caught earlier, I guess,” said McIlroy of his quest for the elusive Masters win, especially given how close he got in 2011 only to blow up over the back nine of the final round.
“I’ve got a great game for here. I hit it high. I can land the ball soft. I’ve got decent touch around the greens. The only thing that has probably held me back in my career and here is putting. You would think this was a golf course I can definitely win on.
“Am I surprised this is the last one left? Probably, yeah!”
