The Masters: Rory McIlroy Not Guaranteed to Win at Augusta Despite Phil Mickelson’s Endorsement | Golf news

“You have to go out there and win it. You can’t trust people to say you’re going to win one. Greg Norman never did, Ernie Els never did. There are a lot of great players who have never won a Green Jacket.”

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Rory McIlroy, who is aiming for an elusive Masters win, admits he has had trouble adjusting to the new normal of playing in front of no fans since the coronavirus lockdown.

Rory McIlroy insists that winning the Masters is not a foregone conclusion despite Phil Mickelson declaring he was “too good” not to complete a majors Grand Slam.

Mickelson gave McIlroy an enthusiastic endorsement and believes it is only a matter of time before the Northern Irishman stands out at Augusta National after several near misses, most notably in 2011, when he led the standings for the final nine on Sunday before he his challenge came back. on day 10.

McIlroy knows his game is well suited to the field, no matter what the conditions, but remains concerned that several game greats have never won a green jacket, including Lee Trevino, Greg Norman and Ernie Els.

Dustin Johnson will play McIlroy for the first two rounds

Mickelson himself endured a series of tough decisions in many major championships before finally clinching the first of three Masters titles at the age of 34 in 2004, when he threw a 12-foot birdie putt on the final green to pass Els for a simple run.

When asked if he shared Mickelson’s trust in him, McIlroy said, “I mean, I’d like to think that, but look, there’s nothing going on in this game. I guess there’s no better person to maybe talk about, to sit down. and have a chat with Phil because he made his way here when he was 34 here for his first major after knocking on the door for a long time.

“I’m not quite on that stage, but I’m looking for my first here. I always felt like I had the game to do well around here and play well. It’s just a matter of, you know, getting out of my own way and letting it happen. .

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Phil Mickelson says he has no doubt that Rory McIlroy will eventually win the Masters and complete the golf career at the Grand Slam at Augusta National.

“But like I said, you have to go out there and earn it. You can’t trust people to say you’re going to win one. Greg Norman never did, Ernie Els never did. There are a lot of great people who have played this game who have never won. A green jacket. It’s not a foregone conclusion, and I know it. I have to go out there and win it and play good golf.

“I think today, with the number of great players out there, I need to play my best golf to have a chance.”

McIlroy admitted that it was preferable to see much of the pre-tournament attention go to Bryson DeChambeau, which allowed the four-time Major champion to feel more “subdued and relaxed” in the face of the Major that has given him a lot of pain. upside down over the years.

And he’s also comfortable enough with the state of his own game that he believes he’s in good enough shape to end his six-year quest for the big number 5.

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“I think the times when I am not relaxed is when I am not comfortable with my game and I am not sure about some aspects of my game,” he added. “That’s when you’re not so relaxed. But my game feels good.

“I’ve hit well for the last two weeks in practice here playing, playing a couple of practice rounds the last two days. I feel as in control as I have been for a while, and that adds to that sense of relaxation. You know it’s there, it’s just a matter of getting out, getting out of my own way and playing freely. “

McIlroy has played a couple of practice rounds at Augusta in recent weeks and revealed that the course is playing “a little different” than April, but is grateful to be competing in the Masters all this year.

“I came here two weeks ago, and the course was very smooth and very long then,” said McIlroy, who plays the first two rounds with Bears Club members Dustin Johnson and Patrick Cantlay.

McIlroy feels his game is in good shape to compete

“It wasn’t as hot as it is now, and then I got up last Saturday. The field was a little firmer, a little better, a little faster. And then it seems like the days have passed, it’s just little by little getting a little more than we are used to, a little faster, a little more bounce on the greens, a little firmness on the greens.

“It’s still not the same as April because it can’t be. I mean, you guys can do a lot of things here in Augusta, but I don’t think you’re wizards. So it’s a little different, but you know, that’s to be expected, and I think everyone is looking forward to it.

“But I think everyone is very grateful that this year there is a Masters and we are playing it, and I think everyone is eager to get started.”