A New Chapter for McIlroy at The Masters: Can He Create More History?

Rory McIlroy is embracing a new era at The Masters, one that begins with his title defense after a historic win last year. His preparation has been unique, trying out various approaches over 17 appearances at Augusta National before finding the winning formula that fulfilled his childhood dream of achieving the career Grand Slam. The question on many minds is whether McIlroy's achievement of his golfing Everest would signal the end of his major motivation. However, 12 months after his roller-coaster playoff success over Justin Rose, which ended his 11-year wait for the missing title, McIlroy has welcomed every aspect of his title defense with open arms. Arriving earlier than ever, donning his Green Jacket to support multiple events ahead of hosting the Champions Dinner, McIlroy is ready for another push for major glory. "It has been a mix of business and pleasure," McIlroy reflected on Wednesday. "I've prepared by doing a lot of work in the weeks leading up to the tournament at home and on my trips here to get familiar with the course again. It's been a very different lead-in, but one I've enjoyed immensely." McIlroy had previously wondered if it would ever be his time to win The Masters, making the opportunity to host some of golf's all-time greats at the Champions Dinner a moment he was always going to cherish. "It's not lost on me," McIlroy emphasized. "Being in that room is something everyone in the sports world envies. I don't want to take it for granted." Even McIlroy believed that the Grand Slam was his ultimate 'destination'. Now, he enters his title defense with a fresh outlook. "What motivates me? What gets me going? What do I still want to achieve? That's the story," McIlroy said, realizing that achieving success doesn't mean the goalposts won't move further out of reach. "I've realized that finding enjoyment in the journey is key. Honestly, I felt like the career Grand Slam was my destination. I got there and then I realized it wasn't the destination," McIlroy shared, aware of the fresh opportunities ahead to create further history. A successful title defense would see McIlroy match Sir Nick Faldo's all-time major tally and become just the fourth player to win back-to-back editions of The Masters. "I feel like I've got another 10 good shots at this," McIlroy claimed, believing his experience at Augusta gives him an edge. Faldo, who won back-to-back in 1989 and 1990, advises McIlroy to completely reset for his title defense. "You can't roll off a log and do that. He won on such emotion last year; it's going to be starting again. There's no way you can pick up from a year ago. It's got to be treated as a whole new goal, a whole new project, starting on Thursday morning," McIlroy has been handed an early-late start for the first two days, alongside Players champion Cameron Young and US Amateur winner Mason Howell. Despite struggling with a lower back issue that led to his withdrawal from the Arnold Palmer Invitational and a less-than-stellar performance at the PGA Tour's flagship event, McIlroy remains focused. Former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley isn't convinced about McIlroy's readiness to win, citing his injuries and the big break before the tournament. However, Sky Sports' Butch Harmon sees McIlroy as more relaxed, feeling good about his game, and Luke Donald expects McIlroy to be up there, given his profile and how his game suits the course. With the Grand Slam burden behind him, McIlroy can now enjoy the tournament, and for the rest of his playing days, go out and play without the weight of achieving the Grand Slam on his shoulders. Wall-to-wall coverage from the tournament begins on Thursday, with Featured Group action and regular updates available on Sky Sports Golf.