McIlroy Credits Phil Mickelson for Advice That Helped Him Secure Masters Victory

Rory McIlroy has disclosed that a conversation with Phil Mickelson around 15 years ago played a significant role in his eventual Masters win. McIlroy, the world's second-ranked golfer, became the first European to complete the career Grand Slam when he defeated Justin Rose in a playoff last April, ending his 11-year wait for a fifth major title and the elusive Green Jacket. A practice round with Mickelson changed McIlroy's approach to the iconic Augusta National course. McIlroy said, 'I used to be quite cautious at Augusta, especially with my approach shots, which would often leave me in difficult positions.' However, after speaking with Mickelson, who emphasized the importance of being aggressive, McIlroy began to work on his short game and putting. This newfound confidence allowed him to adopt a more aggressive strategy, ultimately contributing to his improved performance at Augusta. McIlroy described the morning after his victory as a career highlight, feeling grateful for his achievements. Following a recent back injury, McIlroy provided a positive update on his fitness, stating that his body responded well to the setback. He plans to continue working on his game before returning to Augusta National.