Rory McIlroy laughs with reporters as he reveals Masters plan

Rory McIlroy joked the only thing he wants to control is himself at the Masters this week after he produced his best finish on the PGA Tour in 2024.

Rory McIlroy playfully mentioned that his main focus this week at the Masters is to maintain control over himself.

The 34-year-old golfer is aiming to secure his career grand slam title at Augusta National, marking his 10th appearance in the prestigious tournament.

Rory McIlroy enters the opening major of the year following his strongest performance on the PGA Tour so far this season, securing a third-place finish at the Valero Texas Open at TPC San Antonio

McIlroy informed the reporters that he certainly believes he is currently in a more favorable position compared to a few weeks ago.

He was referring to the fact that his game and outcomes have been somewhat inconsistent since his victory in Dubai earlier this year.

In his inaugural PGA Tour appearance of 2024, McIlroy found himself in a tie for 66th place at the rain-soaked AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

However, it wasn’t until just last week that he finally achieved a top-10 finish.

A wayward shot with his irons caused McIlroy to turn to Butch Harmon, Tiger Woods’ former coach, for assistance.

Harmon recently shared with the media about how McIlroy sought his help after struggling with his iron play. This is what he had to say about the situation.

McIlroy responded, “I have confidence in my ability to consistently hit good shots. The key is minimizing the impact of the bad shots I make.”

McIlroy was questioned by a journalist regarding the numerous uncontrollable and unknown factors in the game. The reporter inquired about McIlroy’s aspirations for the upcoming week and what he aimed to have control over.

McIlroy joked: “Myself.”

He stated, “Having control over myself, including my emotions and thoughts.”

Controlling those aspects simplifies the physical control of everything, making it much easier.

Yes, for me, the upcoming week will primarily focus on discipline and maintaining self-control, as well as controlling the things within my reach. By excelling in these areas, I believe everything else will fall into place.

Rory McIlroy Masters record:

2009: T-20

2010: MC

2011: T-15

2012: T-40

2013: T-25

2014: T-8

2014: 4

2016: T-10

2017: T-7

2018: T-5

2019: T-21

2020: T-5

2021: –

2022: 2

2023: MC