New perspective could aid McIlroy in green jacket bid
Despite the famous green jacket eluding Rory McIlroy on every occasion he has played at Augusta National, this year the Northern Irishman is taking the Masters in his stride without the added pressure.
The 31 year-old, who recently became a father for the first time, has gained a little bit of perspective through fatherhood and is hoping that his more selfless approach to life can rub off into his golf.
"Growing up as a single child who plays golf you can always make things about yourself," the four-time major champion said. "Now you don't just switch the TV on when you get home or go straight to your phone, it's now about going to see her and playing with her a bit before she goes to bed.
"It's nice to take your mind off things too and a little bit of selflessness probably isn't a bad thing for me."
It's well documented that the Masters is the only major that McIlroy hasn't won despite coming close in 2011 where he held a four shot lead going into the final round. Sunday saw him shoot 80 which dumped him out of contention and he ended up tie-fifteenth overall.
Phil Mickelson isn't in doubt that McIlroy will win a green jacket but McIlroy's approach won't involve a conscious push for the coveted title.
"Phil (Mickelson) broke through here when he was 34 for his first major after knocking on the door for a long time.
"I've always felt like I have the game to do well around here but it's just a matter of getting out of my own way and letting it happen.
"As I said you have to go out and earn it, you can't rely on people saying you are going to win one. Greg Norman never did, Ernie Els never did; there are some great players who have played this game that have never won a green jacket.
"I've got to go out and earn it and play great golf," he added.
Given the difference in time of year compared to it's traditional April start, McIlroy believes that it might benefit scoring being later in the year.
"I think this could be quite a low scoring week but that's just because of the way the golf course is," he explained. "It's a little softer, it's November and it's going to play a little differently.
"This golf course provides enough of a challenge to challenge the best in the world."
