McIlroy channels Nicklaus as he targets career slam

RORY McILROY is following the Jack Nicklaus blueprint at the Masters this week in his bid to emulate the Golden Bear and complete the career Grand Slam. Asked recently what advice he’d give Rory, six-time Masters champion Nicklaus replied: ‘I’d tell him to go up to Augusta a week early and play as many holes as he possibly could.’ That’s what the 28-year-old has done, and, on the eve of the season’s first major, said he can feel the benefit. ‘I’m more prepared than I’ve ever been and I’m really excited to hit my first tee shot on Thursday,’ commented the Northern Irishman. ‘I’ve been fortunate to come up here a couple of times over the past few weeks and I’ve played a lot of holes. I played 54 holes on Wednesday and Thursday last week. I played 36 a couple of weeks before that. So, I’m very comfortable. I’m looking forward to seeing what the week holds.’ McIlroy, who is playing in his 10th Masters, knows more about golf history than arguably any other active player and is aware he could emulate three legends if he were to become just the sixth player to complete the Slam. ‘I know Ben Hogan and Sam Snead won it for the first time on their 10th attempt and Arnold Palmer was 28 when he won his first Masters,’ he said. ‘But I also know that it’s not going to fall into my lap. You have to earn it and this week I’m here to earn it all.’