McIlroy Embarks on a New Chapter at The Masters - Can He Create More History?

Rory McIlroy's preparations for The Masters have been unique, a situation he has fully embraced since making history in the golfing world. Having experimented with various approaches during his 17 previous appearances at Augusta National, McIlroy finally found the winning formula to achieve his childhood dream of completing the career Grand Slam. Now, many wonder if his major motivation has been fulfilled, 12 months after a thrilling play-off victory over Justin Rose ended his 11-year wait for the elusive title. However, McIlroy has welcomed every aspect of his title defence, arriving earlier than ever to support multiple events and preparing for another push for major glory. "It's been a mix of business and pleasure," McIlroy said. "I've prepared by doing a lot of work at home and making trips here to get familiar with the course again. It's been a different lead-in, but one I've enjoyed immensely. I'll try to keep enjoying my week, but I know I need to play good golf to do that." McIlroy previously wondered if he would ever win The Masters, and now that he has, he is determined to make the most of his experience, including hosting the Champions Dinner. "It's not lost on me," McIlroy said. "Being in that room with golf's all-time greats is an honour, and I don't want to take it for granted. I tried to treat it as if it was the only time I would host a dinner, and hopefully, it's not, but if it is, I tried to do it the right way." Even McIlroy believed that the Grand Slam was his ultimate goal, but now he enters his title defence with a fresh outlook. "What motivates me? What gets me going? What do I still want to achieve in the game? That's the story," McIlroy said. "I've realised that if you can find enjoyment in the journey, that's the key. Honestly, I felt like the career Grand Slam was my destination, but now I see it wasn't the destination." McIlroy is aware of the opportunities ahead to create further history, including matching Sir Nick Faldo's major tally and becoming the fourth player to win back-to-back Masters titles. "I feel like I've got another 10 good shots at this," McIlroy said. "I think the more experience you have around this golf course, the better it is." Faldo, who won back-to-back in 1989 and 1990, believes McIlroy must reset for his title defence. "You can't roll off a log and do that again," Faldo said. "He won on emotion last year, and it's going to be starting again. 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 Cameron Young and Mason Howell. He has struggled to contend during title defences this season, withdrawing from the Arnold Palmer Invitational due to a lower back issue and failing to mount a challenge at the PGA Tour's flagship event. Former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley told Sky Sports, "He's had injuries last month, and he's had a big break coming in here. He's never had more than one week off going into winning those five majors, but this time he's had three weeks off, and then you look at all the obligations he's had to do this week." Sky Sports' Butch Harmon added, "I think he comes in here a little more relaxed. He doesn't have the weight on his back that he has to win the Grand Slam. I've talked to him a lot on the range this week, and he's very relaxed, he feels very good about his game." Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald said, "I always see Rory as someone who is very childlike, he likes to just go out there and have fun, and that's when he's at his best. Rory at Augusta - his game, his profile, how he plays, how good he is off the tee, his iron play - it just suits this course anyway. I'm sure he'll be up there. What he's done in the game is incredible, but I would expect for him to go on and win a couple more majors now." A relaxed McIlroy said he comes into his latest major pursuit with 'a big weight off his shoulders'. He can now go out and enjoy this tournament - for the rest of his playing days - with the Grand Slam burden behind him. Wall-to-wall coverage from the tournament begins at 2pm on Thursday, with Featured Group action and regular updates from around the course available on Sky Sports Golf until the global broadcast window begins at 6pm.