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• World No.3 happy with week at WGC-Dell Matchplay
• Aiming to complete career grand slam at the Masters
• “I’m really happy with my game going into Augusta”

RORY McILROY

He was unable to find a win in either of his two matches on the final day of his defence of the WGC-Dell Matchplay Championship but Rory McIlroy insists he will he go to the Masters in just over a week’s time full of confidence.

World No.3 McIlroy lost by one hole to eventual winner Jason Day in the semi-finals before going down 3&2 to Rafael Cabrera-Bello in the consolation match at Austin Country Club.

However, the four-time major winner is adamant that the experience of being in contention for what would have been a 12th career PGA Tour title will stand him in good stead as he heads into the first major of the season at Augusta National.

“It’s very valuable,” said the Northern Irishman of his week’s work. “Feeling like you’re in contention is a great feeling and something you can’t really replicate in practise. So, the week has been very positive overall.

“I’m really happy with my game going into Augusta” – Rory McIlroy

“I wish I would have been able to get one more win under my belt but I’m really happy with my game going into Augusta.”

If McIlroy can find the winning touch in the Masters, he will become just the sixth player in the history of the game to complete the career grand slam. Paul McGinley, who captained him during the 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles, wouldn’t be surprised if he did following his impressive week’s work in Texas.

“He has certainly escalated in terms of his confidence and in terms of his putting with his right-over-left hand putting grip, and he has also eradicated a right-to-left shot that he had earlier in the week,” McGinley told Sky Sports.

“I think he’ll walk away very buoyed and looking forward to Augusta.”

Rory McIlroy :: A Green Jacket awaits?

Can Rory McIlroy complete the career grand slam at Augusta National in just under a fortnight’s time? Leave your thoughts in our ‘Comments’ section below.

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Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor

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