Rory rises to Grand Slam occasion as favourite Dustin falls
McIlroy hopes high for Masters win but Johnson injury doubt
Rory McIlroy says he is desperate to complete an elusive career Grand Slam.
The World Number Two tees up later (6.41pm) in the ÂŁ8m US Masters in Augusta.
Victory there will put the 27-year-old from Holywood among the all-time golfing greats.
Just five players have ever managed to win all four major championships and McIlroy is currently stuck on three.
However, he says he has been doing everything to change that.
“The more I can get comfortable with this golf course, the better so that’s why I came up here just before the match-play and played 27 holes and then I came up on Mondays and Tuesdays and played 54,” he said.
Meanwhile, tournament favourite and World Number One Dustin Johnson faces a late fitness test after he injured his back in a fall at his rented home.
He is part of the last group out on the course.
His agent David Winkle described the incident as a “serious fall”.
“He landed very hard on his lower back and is now resting, although quite uncomfortably,” he added He has been advised to remain immobile and begin a regimen of anti-inflammatory medication and icing, with the hope of being able to play.”
Defending champion Danny Willett will be hoping to join another elite group – those who have won back-to-back titles.
Only Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Nick Faldo have managed this.