There are still a few days left until the start of the Masters, and the attention is focused mostly on Rory McIlroy, who finally wants to lift the Masters trophy. A Northern Irish golfer has not won a Major for 11 years, and that fact only creates more pressure year after year.
McIlroy, on the other hand, started the season in a furious way, celebrating twice on the PGA Tour.
Before the start of this tournament, there are many former golfers, analysts and experts who give their predictions, at the same time putting emphasis on the performances of individuals this year.
Well-known golfer Paul McGinley analyzed McIlroy's career, saying that eleven years is a long period, but his consistency is what the Irishman is impressed with.
"Eleven years is a hell of a long time for a player of his quality," McGinley said, as quoted by Sky Sports.
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"How many players from back in 2014 are still right at the very top of the world rankings, or even anywhere in the top 10 in the world rankings?
The staying power that he's got, the sustainability over that period of time, has been absolutely phenomenal. Obviously, the big miss is not having a major."
Paul McGinley talks about the pressure
The experienced Irishman does not want Roy to feel strong pressure, considering that even if he does not win this Major, it does not change the fact that McIlroy is a great player.
Playing Augusta National carries enormous pressure even when you're not Rory McIlroy. Still, when you're the world No. 2 chasing the last Major for years, that's a huge amount of pressure on an individual.
"Nobody has a right to win The Masters and we've seen phenomenal players come and go and not win there," McGinley added. "I can think of Ernie Els as well as Greg Norman, who had games and skillsets that you think would be suitable to win around there.
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If he [McIlroy] doesn't win a Masters, it's still a phenomenal career that he's had. Yes, it would have been a shame that he didn't win the Grand Slam, because that's the elite of the elite."- he said.
Many believe that Rory looks much different this year, and it seems that his form gives rise to optimism that he could now lift the trophy. The Northern Irishman doesn't seem to think too much about conquering or pressure anymore, focused only on going out and playing to the best of his ability.
