Yahoo News Rory McIlroy eyes Masters Grand Slam following Players Championship victory
Rory McIlroy has warned he is playing some of his best golf after winning The Players Championship and turned his attention to a career Grand Slam at The Masters.
The Northern Irishman battled to shoot a two-under 70 on a chaotic Sunday at TPC Sawgrass, winning by a shot from 48-year-old Jim Furyk to claim his first victory in over a year.
McIlroy had won three of golf’s four majors (The Open, PGA Championship and US Open) by 2014, but is yet to claim the elusive green jacket, his best finish being 4th in 2015.
After struggling early on McIlroy went three under for his back nine on Sunday and, having not finished lower than sixth in six starts this season, is taking confidence to Augusta National.
"It's very special. I just tried to treat it like any other day. Even though I've had all those close calls this year they didn't mean anything,” McIlroy told Sky Sports following his victorious round.
"If anything they were good for me; I called them ‘remote misses’, it gives you even more hope to go forward and go again. I think all those experiences this year led me to this point and ultimately they were good for me because it got me over the line today.
"The birdie on 12 was huge to give me a bit of momentum and the final few holes were tough. To get that birdie on 15 after the dropped shot on 14 was massive.”
He continued: "I knew 16 was a good chance and to par the last two holes and hit three good shots when I needed to, that gives me a lot of confidence going forward.
"It's very nice to get a win, especially doing it in this golf course. Honestly, a golf course which plays a bit similar to how Augusta will play in a few weeks.
"I feel like I'm playing some of best golf of my life right now."
The Masters takes place from April 11-14.
