Mickelson's advice helped McIlroy win the Masters

Rory McIlroy says a comment from Phil Mickelson during a practice round about 10–15 years ago played a big part in changing his mindset at Augusta National and ultimately helped him claim the Masters. The world No 2 became the sixth man, and the first European, to complete the career Grand Slam when he beat Justin Rose in a playoff last April, ending an 11-year wait for his fifth major and the Green Jacket.

McIlroy admitted that for years Augusta had made him tentative, particularly with his approach shots. That caution often left him in difficult positions around the greens. But a remark from Mickelson stuck with him. Mickelson told him he loved Augusta because it allowed him to be aggressive; if he missed an approach, he trusted his short game to save him.

At the time McIlroy couldn’t relate — he felt the course punished aggressive play. Over time, though, improving his putting and sharpening his short-game recovery gave him the confidence to attack pins more often. That change in approach, McIlroy believes, contributed to his improved form at Augusta and helped him finally win there.

Reflecting on the victory, McIlroy called the morning after the win one of the most surreal moments of his career. He described waking up half expecting it to be a dream, but instead feeling immense gratitude rather than the empty sensation he’d experienced after reaching world No 1 previously.

McIlroy also updated fans on his fitness after a back issue affected him ahead of The Players Championship last week, where the defending champion slipped down the leaderboard. He said his body responded well to the setback and that he planned to do some focused work over the coming weeks before heading back to Augusta.

Watch The Masters live this April on Sky Sports. Live coverage of the first round begins Thursday, April 9, and the tournament can also be streamed without a contract on NOW.