Nine

previously competed in before the Masters is seven in 2009 – the first year he was able to enter all four majors – and 2016.

In 2018 he plans to take part in eight.

Mcilroy will start the new season with two competitions in the Middle East – Abu Dhabi and Dubai – before he embarks on a busy PGA Tour schedule.

The former world No1’s last major success came in 2014.

Number of bathrooms in Mcilroy’s Palm Beach mansion