Rory watching the birdies in warm-up for tilt at Masters

RORY McILROY believes he has the perfect opportunity this week to make up for his final-round disappointment at Doral and chalk up his first win of the year. The world No2 is competing at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Orlando in his final strokeplay event before the Augusta Masters next month and spoke enthusiastically about the remodelled Bay Hill venue. ‘I played in the event for the first time last year, finished 11th and left kind of kicking myself that I hadn’t played in it before because the course fits my eye,’ said the 26year-old Irishman. ‘Now they’ve changed things and it is absolutely perfect. Last year it wasn’t in great shape but this time you couldn’t ask for a better-conditioned course.’ McIlroy (below) was not a happy man leaving Doral 10 days ago, having blown a three-shot lead in the final round of the WGC Cadillac Championship to finish third behind winner Adam Scott. ‘On reflection, I don’t think I played aggressively enough,’ he said. ‘It was windy and I thought if I hit it to 30ft on every hole I would be all right. But I never gave myself enough birdie chances.’ During his week off, McIlroy bedded in the new left-below-right putting method that worked well at Doral. ‘I feel even more confident about it after another week’s practice,’ he said. ‘I’m really excited and happy about the switch.’ Scott is also in the field this week, going for a third win in a row. Asked about the Aussie’s form, McIlroy joked: ‘My take is they should bring back anchored putting. I was all for getting rid of it. Now I’m all for keeping it.’ In more serious tones, he added: ‘He’s obviously put in a lot of work after being forced to change from his anchored putting stroke and it’s paid off, which is great to see.’ Also part of a strong field are world No 3 Jason Day, plus English trio Justin Rose, Ian Poulter and Matt Fitzpatrick.