US Masters: Patience will be key to McIlroy’s challenge

The temptation is to reach out, to grab destiny before it slips away. If Rory McIlroy is to find that missing link to the career Grand Slam here at this 80th edition of the US Masters, and especially with winds forecast to gust upwards of 30 miles an hour, then patience – as much as any game plan – will need to be a principal part of his strategy.

“I expect him to win pretty soon,” remarked Europe’s Ryder Cup captain, Darren Clarke, adding: “He’s been playing well without winning. I’ve been keeping a close eye on his stats and they’re right up there. Rory’s the type of player and character who, when he gets that little bit of extra spark, it triggers his confidence and off he goes. If and when he clicks, he wins.”

Appeared relaxed

For sure, McIlroy has appeared relaxed these past few days. What’s more, he has that strut – down the fairways and up to the greens – that has always provided a telltale sign of well-being.

Unlike a year ago when he seemed shackled by the pressures of chasing the only Major to so far evade him, this year’s preparations have been at a pace set by him and him alone.

He’s the one in control, and, ironically, one of those flying in somewhat under the radar.

That much of the focus has been away from McIlroy is, pure and simple, down to the deeds of others. Jason Day has assumed the world number one ranking with a string of stellar performances, back-to-back wins in the Arnold Palmer Invitational and the Dell Matchplay.

Adam Scott has waved his short putter like a magic wand. Bubba Watson and Henrik Stenson, if still to find a friendly driver, have contended week-in and week-out. Jordan Spieth has loitered with intent.

Perhaps it is time for McIlroy to re-emerge from the shadows, and where better than here on the pristine fairways and immaculate greens of Augusta National?

“Rory, he can emasculate a golf course; he hits the ball high and far,” said Tom Watson.

It is a trait that could serve McIlroy well, although it is how his putter behaves that will likely determine if the Northern Irishman’s time has come for a 38-inch chest green jacket to be readied.

In Shane Lowry’s case, something closer to a 42-inch chest would be needed. And the Offalyman – who turned 29 last Saturday – has prepared diligently and also at his own pace. His only full round of practice was shortly after his arrival here on Saturday and, since then, he has limited his play to nine holes per day.

A year ago, on his debut, Lowry admitted to feeling a little like a rabbit caught in the headlights. He missed the cut by a shot. This time, Lowry is, as he put it, “less in awe” and looking to take the way he has played in the practice days into the sharp end of the tournament.

“I’ve realised when I am playing practice rounds, Dermot (Byrne) calls the number and I just hit it straight away. When it comes to the tournament, I just get a bit more tentative. I need to loosen up, to free up a little bit and play that way,” he said.

Creative shot-making

With winds set to gradually strengthen as the first round progresses, those later starters – among them McIlroy and Lowry – may have the toughest challenge, and especially so with the course playing firmer than in recent years. The onus will be on creative shot-making; and on patience. Lots of patience!

As Graeme McDowell remarked, “you have to know when to take the course on and when not to. You have got to drive it well to give yourself that opportunity and when you get up (to the greens) you have got to putt well . . . . if one of those two parts is slightly off, this golf course will expose you. That’s when it becomes difficult.”

For this latest, his eighth, Masters, McIlroy has slightly changed his strategy. The Par 5 second hole has tormented and teased him in previous tournaments so, this time, he has decided to leave the driver in the bag and play 3-wood off that tee to position himself short of the fairway bunker.

“I feel like I’ve got a good game plan. The Par 5s, if you play them the right way, are very, very important. If you play those well and play the other holes conservatively and smartly, and take your pars and a birdie or two comes up, that’s great.”

For McIlroy, the year has rolled along quickly. With it comes the second chance to add his name to five players who have won the career Grand Slam – Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods – and to make it a six-strong club. “It’s something that I’d obviously be very proud of and something I feel would set me apart. But there’s a lot of golf to be played before that and a lot of bad bounces and good bounces and lip-outs.” And a lot of patience to be displayed, too.