RORY LOOKS AHEAD TO MASTERS GLORY

GOLF: HONDA CLASSIC CYCLING: ABU DHABI TOUR

RORY McILROY claims he does not need to win before his latest bid to complete his career Grand Slam at the Masters.

The Ulsterman (above) has gone 17 months since lifting his last title at the Tour Championships – the longest barren spell of his pro career.

The world No.10 has eight events scheduled before the first Major of the season and tees up in the fifth at the Honda Classic today. The last four Green Jacket winners have all won a tournament leading into Augusta.

But McIlroy, who became world No.1 for the first time with a triumph at Palm Beach in 2012, said: “It is nice to come back to a place where I have won before.

“But saying I have to win before Augusta, I feel that is putting myself under a lot of pressure.

“You don’t have to win a tournament.”