Rory McIlroy admits he has dreamed about winning the US Masters at Augusta National to complete the elusive career grand slam.
His friend and idol Tiger Woods has said that the sight of Rory McIlroy donning the famous green jacket at the US Masters is "only a matter of time", with the County Down golfer insisting he is enjoying the quest rather than being overwhelmed by it.
"I think envisioning those things are important," he told RTÉ Sport.
"I’ve let myself dream; I’ve let myself think about it before I go to sleep at night. I think the more and more you play it over in your mind, the more ready you’ll be for it.
"It’s a big part of psychology, envisioning these things. A lot of great athletes over time have done that same thing. You've got to have dreams, you got to let yourself dream and I’m certainly letting myself dream this week."
Woods, who played a practice nine holes with McIlroy earlier this week, believes the Irishman will eventually join him in the small group of players to have completed golf's professional Grand Slam.
Woods is joined in that elusive band by Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus but expects the number to rise in the coming years.
"He will [complete the career Grand Slam], it's just a matter of time," said five-time Masters winner Woods.
"Rory has the talent. He has the game. He has all the tools to win here.
"I think Rory has shown over the years that he's learned how to play this golf course.
"He has been there. Last year he made a great run, put himself there. I think that it's just a matter of time, whether it's this year or next or whenever it comes, he will get it done and he will have a career Grand Slam. What year it will be? It will definitely happen."
McIlroy's long pursuit of a Masters title has been one of golf’s major storylines of recent years and five top 10 finishes on his last five visits suggests that he isn’t far off achieving his goal.
For the player, last year’s final round – when he holed out from a bunker on the 18th to complete a stunning closing 64 – provides positivity ahead of Thursday’s first round.
What a way to finish. McIlroy holes out on No. 18 to put pressure on the leader. #themasters pic.twitter.com/L5fWWbR9cj
— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 10, 2022
"I won a little battle within myself last year, that final day," he said.
"I went out and didn’t think I had a chance to win and then when I eagled 13 I thought I had a chance.
"Holing that bunker shot at the last, I don’t know, years and years of driving down Magnolia Lane and not seeing the place for another year and being disappointed, what could have been, another year has passed – it didn’t feel like that last year.
"I think that’s where I have this sort of optimism. When you’re coming back for your 15th time, you’ve been through it all. You’ve tried to do all sorts of different things to get the best out of yourself.
"I've tried to use all this mental trickery before of downplaying it and this and that. I’ve had great weeks here and I’ve played well but I haven’t walked away with the win so I may as well try and enjoy myself why I am here."
