Rory McIlroy confident of joining elite club
March 30, 2018
Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy is confident he can join an elite club of five golfers who have completed a career Grand Slam when he tees off at Augusta National next month.
The 28-year-old has enjoyed a solid 2018 so far, finishing second at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic before winning the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
McIlroy only needs the Green Jacket to complete a Grand Slam but he will need to improve in Georgia.
His best finish was fourth back in 2015 although he is now looking to join Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, Gary Player and Gene Sarazen as Slam winners.
He won the US Open in 2011, the PGA Championships in 2012 and 2014 and the British Open in 2014. With the Masters now just a week away, McIlroy insists his game is in a good place.
“I’m in a position where I can join that club and I would love to,” McIlroy said.
“I only get one opportunity a year at Augusta. I’ve played well. Not well enough. Hopefully I put the last piece of the puzzle in there this year and get it done.
“Golf’s in a great place. I feel like it’s exciting times. Obviously I’m glad to be a part of that conversation, get the first shot.”
American Phil Mickelson will be trying to follow McIlroy by winning the US Open this year, while countryman Jordan Spieth can also do it by winning the PGA Championship title.
McIlroy is second favourite for this year’s Masters, priced at 11.00 to win the tournament.
