Rory will give course no respect

place – I feel like I may have shown it a little bit too much respect at times instead of playing the way I usually do,” admitted McIlroy.

“That’s the biggest thing I’ve learned – try to get it out of your head where you are and what it means and just try to execute your shots like you normally do.

“It’s the course that should set up best for me. If I can play the way I know I can and have a good week on the greens then there’s no reason why I shouldn’t have a good chance.

“I’ve been ready for this thing to start for a week already.”

The world No 1, who has won the past two Majors, has been grouped with threetime champion Phil Mickelson, who rates McIlroy as a Masters winner in waiting. “This is a course that is just very well suited for Rory ,” said Mickelson. “With the length, ball- striking and putting touch he has, I feel this is a course he’ll be tough to beat on for the rest of his career.

“You always need a little bit of a break to win a tournament but over the course of 15 or 20 years, he’ll get those breaks and he’ll win the Masters.”

Europe’s Ryder Cup hero Jamie Donaldson will spend the fi rst two rounds in the company of Tiger Woods.

“That will be awesome,” said the Welshman who closed out the Ryder Cup defence at Gleneagles last year.

“I’ve never spoken to him, apart from saying hello a few times – he’s in his own bubble isn’t he – but it’s been an ambition to play with him. He’s a superhero. ”

MEANT TO BE: Mickelson says McIlroy will be winner