McIlroy Vows to Improve as He Seeks to Defend Masters Title

Rory McIlroy has admitted he needs to elevate his game if he is to successfully defend his Masters title after surrendering a six-shot lead during the third round. McIlroy, who started strongly with rounds of 67 and 65, found himself level with Cameron Young on 11 under after a disappointing 73 on Saturday. He struggled with his iron play, hitting just 10 of 18 greens in regulation, and made three bogeys along with a double bogey at the 11th. Despite his struggles, McIlroy remains optimistic about his chances, citing his experience and the fact that he is still in the final group. 'I knew today wasn't going to be easy,' McIlroy said. 'The quality of the chasing pack was very obvious, and a lot of the guys went out and played superb golf.' McIlroy's bid to retain his title and complete a career Grand Slam has been made more challenging by the emergence of several high-profile contenders, but he is confident in his ability to bounce back from a disappointing day. 'I would have wanted to be in a better position going into tomorrow, but I still have a great chance,' McIlroy added. 'I'm in the final group, which is exactly where you want to be. I wish I had a little bit more of a cushion, but I'm going to go to the range and try to figure it out. I'll need to be better tomorrow.' McIlroy's victory at the Masters last year marked the end of an 11-year major drought for the Northern Irishman, and he is determined to draw on that experience to aid his chances on Sunday. 'I'd like to think that I'll play a little bit freer and I'll play like I've already got a green jacket, which I do,' McIlroy said. 'Sometimes I maybe just have to remind myself of that.' Sky Sports Golf's Rich Beem believes McIlroy's resilience will be key to his chances on Sunday, saying: 'He's got such a great mindset to just forget what happened the day before, or even two or three holes ago. He's not afraid to fail. He's failed a lot in his career, but he comes back time and time again, and that's why he's our defending Masters champion.'