The stress of trying to win here turns me into a p***k
AUGUSTA COUNTDOWN 1 DAY TO GO McIlroy admits pursuit of Green Jacket’s taken a toll
RORY McILROY has confessed he is “a complete p***k” in the week before the Masters under the stress of completing his career Grand Slam.
The world No.2 has admitted he “wouldn’t be fulfilled” if he were to never wear the Green Jacket – and acknowledged it will get more difficult every year he fails.
His best chance came in 2011 when he blew a four-shot lead in the final round. Since then he has won four Majors and achieved the third leg of his quest by winning the 2014 Open.
McIlroy has finished fourth and tied 10th in two previous attempts to complete his career Slam without seriously challenging at the business end of the event.
And the Northern Irishman said: “I am – ask anyone who knows me – a complete p***k in the week leading up to Augusta. But they understand and know that. It’s a stressful situation.”
McIlroy tried to feel more at ease by returning a couple of times a year to practise, the last time playing with his father Gerry.
He said: “The more comfortable you can feel around Augusta the better. Going up for trips with my dad and friends and just messing around, that makes it feel way easier for me because I always associate Augusta with stressful situations and shots.
“You can get up there and make it feel as if you’re just playing another round of golf at another course. I was playing different shots and thinking why couldn’t I do this during the tournament?”
Now 27, and about to marry his fiancee Erica Stoll, McIlroy still wears his heart on his sleeve. He shows his emotions on the course, from his jaunty walk when playing well to the slumped shoulders as he shot a closing 80 in 2011.
McIlroy was playing then with grip-it-and-rip-it Angel Cabrera – and admitted he learned from getting rushed into disaster.
He said: “I feel I’m a quick player and he was ridiculously quick. I sort of learned this and it’s hard at times but don’t let other players dictate the pace you play. But of course it hurt and it still hurts.”
McIlroy will play his first two rounds with new Spanish sensation Jon Rahm and Hideto Tanihara of Japan.
Meanwhile, Russell Knox hopes to be inspired by playing alongside in-form Rickie Fowler and Hideki Matsuyama.
The American won the Honda Classic last month while the Japanese golfer has climbed to No.4 in the world rankings.
Knox missed the cut on his Augusta debut last year and the Scot said: “I didn’t expect to find myself in such a great grouping so I’m really pleased, it should be fun.
“There should be a great buzz around the group that should make for a big patron following.
“Also with the way Rickie has been playing and given how well Hideki finished last year and took that winning form into this year, there should be birdies out there. I hope I can get among them.”