Rory McIlroy has revealed he is looking to follow the winning 'formula' of the great Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus, as he eyes a first victory at The Masters later this week.
McIlroy has reinstated himself as one of the world's best players over the past year, battling against Jon Rahm and Scottie Scheffler for the world No. 1 spot. Despite his hot form in 2022, the Northern Irishman's wait for a fifth major title continued, having narrowly missed out at both The Open Championship and The Masters.
One year on McIlroy is back at Augusta National to end his drought and secure his first green jacket, with the help of two of the sport's greatest players.
And the four-time major winner has revealed he is looking to adapt the 'disciplined' approach that has served both Woods and Nicklaus both well at the famous Georgia course down the years. He told BBC Sport : "The one thing Tiger did really well at Augusta is discipline.
"The course can really goad you into taking shots that you don't need to take on and if you look at the two most successful players at Augusta, it's Tiger and Jack [who won a record six titles]. They are the two most disciplined players in the history of our game.
"Not taking on too much risk. Not getting ahead of yourself. That's the formula to do well at the Masters." His relationship with the great Woods has blossomed in recent years, with the pair even becoming business partners in their new virtual golf venture TMRW Sports.
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Not many know the fairways of Augusta National like Woods, and McIlroy has seemingly used their friendship to his advantage in the run-up to tournament week, after revealing: "I talk to him every day. That's the thing to me that is great.
"I can remember the first time I met him and how I felt and to forge that relationship with him and for him to really take an interest in what I do and take an interest in my game, take an interest in my family. I'm unbelievably grateful for his friendship and his guidance but also his leadership through everything that's happened in the past 18 months as well."
