Rory McIlroy eyes the Masters following his Honda Classic win – Golf News
Rory McIlroy, who recently reached atop the Official World Golf Rankings to replace Luke Donald, is now set to prepare for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National, scheduled in the opening week of April.
According to McIlroy, he plans to take three weeks off following his appearance in the second World Golf Championship of the year, Cadillac Championship.
His decision came as a reason for getting prepared for the first major event of the year.
Moreover, he is eager to display a similar performance in WGC, as he did in the Honda Classic last week, in order to remain at the top of the OWGR.
Otherwise, his top place may get challenged by Luke Donald, who recently moved to second, and Lee Westwood (Third).
Both these players are aiming to record a good finish too to shorten his span of being the world number one.
Also, McIlroy’s absence from the golf scene for three weeks will also provide the opportunity to Woods and Westwood to surpass him in the rankings table.
However, McIlroy says that his main focus is on the Masters and he is confident to register his second major win of the career.
Yet, he believes that Tiger Woods, who charged in the final round of Honda Classic to challenge him on the leaderboard, could be a strong contender.
Meanwhile, with Phil Mickelson, who is also looking in a great form since his victory came at Pebble Beach last month, the competition will be extremely tough.
"I think it's fantastic for the game," McIlroy told the gathered reporters after his latest triumph in Florida. "To see what Phil did at Pebble, to see Tiger playing like he did today”.
"Everyone is excited for Augusta and I'm looking forward to getting back there and giving it another shot," he added.
McIlroy’s compatriot, Graeme McDowell, was talking to the official PGA Tour website and said that McIlroy is the best player he has ever seen in his career.
"He's the best player I've ever seen tee-to-green, period," McDowell said. "I didn't have a chance to play with Tiger in the early to mid 2000's when Tiger was the man, but Rory McIlroy is the best".
South African Charl Schwartzel will be defending his title at Augusta and he is in a good form to do it successfully after he finished tied for the fifth spot in the Honda Classic last week.
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