THE BIG THREATS TO McILROY’S MASTERS AMBITIONS IN 2017

PUTTING

No matter how much he has protested otherwise, this has been the big weakness in McIlroy’s game since turning pro. There was implicit acknowledgement of that, too, when he started working with Phil Kenyon last summer.

The results were immediate, but he must rediscover that economical edge on the greens. Without it, he cannot win here.

THE PAST

ONE of the most attractive aspects of McIlroy’s character is his honesty. He has addressed the collapse in his game on the back nine here six years ago many times, and he will be asked about it again this week.

His mental strength suggests it should not be a problem, but Jordan Spieth has talked in recent days about wanting the Masters to be over: the past is everywhere here, and old ghosts can haunt a player under pressure.

THE FIELD

The form of Dustin Johnson is irresistible, and if he is as accurate off the tee as he has been over the past year or so, he will go a long way to winning. Famously, he is not regarded as one of life’s thinkers, and this attitude has helped him. He doesn’t dwell on mistakes, or get seduced by success.

Jon Rahm is the wildcard pick, a marvellous talent who has been unfazed by reputations in his debut season. Old warriors around this place like Bubba Watson and Phil Mickelson will threaten McIlroy, too.

The last two named have also won the tournament five times between them, supporting the theory that the course set-up suits left-handed players.