Rory McIlroy reveals first Tiger Woods memories as he outlines 2023 Masters plan
Rory McIlroy has recalled the first time he met Tiger Woods as he prepares to compete at the 2023 Masters at Augusta National.
Rory McIlroy says he plans to adopt the Tiger Woods strategy at the 2023 Masters.
The Northern Irishman, 33, will once be thought of as a hot favourite to win at Augusta National.
That is despite the fact he hasn't won a major since the 2014 PGA Championship.
This will be McIlroy's 13th Masters appearance and ninth attempt at becoming the sixth player in history to win all four major championships.
If McIlroy were to triumph he would join Woods, Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus in winning the Grand Slam.
The Ulsterman's close friendship with Woods is well-known.
McIlroy has admitted in previous interviews he speaks to the 15-time major champion every single day.
In the Netflix documentary Full Swing, of which McIlroy was a late inclusion, he spoke of how Woods, now 47, was 'always the first' to send congratulatory text messages.
McIlroy has told BBC Sport he is planning on adopting Woods' risk-averse strategy.
When Woods won the 2019 Masters, he expertly and safely navigated Amen Corner as Francesco Molinari folded like a pack of cards.
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McIlroy told the publication:
There is no denying McIlroy has an interesting relationship with Augusta National.
As a 21-year-old he had a meltdown, surrendering a four-shot lead. It has shaped his career in many ways.
After the 2022 Masters, McIlroy said it was the very first time he had left the property happy.
"I'm unbelievably grateful for his friendship"
McIlroy also told BBC Sport of the first time he met Woods.
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He said:
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