The Masters: Phil Mickelson downplays Rory McIlroy concern

Phil Mickelson has dismissed the suggestion that Rory McIlroy’s latest bid to win a Green Jacket could be derailed by external pressures.

McIlroy, the form player in 2025, is second favourite behind the defending champion Scottie Scheffler heading into the first major of the year at Augusta National.

The Northern Irishman has rarely arrived at the famed Georgia layout in better shape after wins at Pebble Beach and at The PLAYERS this season, but many observants believe it is a mental block that is stopping McIlroy securing that elusive win which would complete the career grand slam.

The narrative heading into Augusta – as it always has ever since his agonising Sunday collapse back 2011 – has centred around McIlroy’s pursuit of immortality.

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However, Mickelson, a man who knows a thing or two about winning the Masters, insists that McIlroy will not succumb to the weight of expectation that surrounds him.

“Yeah, that’s challenging,” the three-time champion said of McIlroy blocking out the noise. “But he’s done it so many times in his ability to win tournaments. He’s been able to compartmentalize that. I don’t think that’s going to be an issue for him.

“I think he drives the ball so long and straight that he has a huge advantage on that golf course. He and about 20 guys that drive it like he does will have an advantage of playing it a certain way.

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“They can play it a certain way that is much more aggressive and take advantage of holes than some others, than guys like myself. But you still have to execute, you still have to hit the shots, and I think that’s what he’s focused on.

Mickelson – preparing for his 32nd major start at Augusta after this week’s LIV Golf event in Miami – thinks McIlroy’s mental fortitude should instead prove an advantage between the cathedral pines.

“His ability to compartmentalize all the things that have transpired in the past is a strength of his, ” the 54-year-old added, “so I don’t think it’ll be an issue or I don’t think that’s what’s holding him back from winning the Masters.”

For comprehensive coverage of the first major of the year at Augusta National, keep up to date with our dedicated Masters hub.

Ben Parsons is the Senior Writer at bunkered and is the man to come to for all of the latest news, across both the professional and amateur games. Formerly of The Mirror and Press Association, he is a member at Halifax Golf Club and is a long-suffering fan of both Manchester United and the Wales rugby team.