Thursday 26 March 2015 11:13, UK
Rory McIlroy has admitted he is already thinking ahead to the Masters in April even before he has hit a competitive ball in 2015.
The world No 1 makes his first start of the year at this week's star-studded Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, the first of the three Desert Swing tournaments on the European Tour.
Having claimed his maiden Open Championship title last year before also landing a second US PGA crown, McIlroy is certain to dominate the build-up to the Augusta National showpiece as he bids to complete a career grand slam of majors.
McIlroy's preparation for the Masters has already started, but he is determined not to let talk of a possible grand slam distract him and undermine his chances.
"Each and every year, no matter if you’re going for a career grand slam or if it’s just the first major of the year – it’s a huge build-up anyway, and I’ll just try and treat it like any other Masters," he told Sky Sports News HQ.
"If I do the right things in practice and prepare properly, then that will give me the best chance," added McIlroy, who is looking forward to resuming his rivalry with good friend Rickie Fowler in Abu Dhabi.
Fowler battles
"It’s great that we’ll be side by side for the first two days. We had some great battles last year in a couple of the majors and at the Ryder Cup, and it’ll be great to have another one here in Abu Dhabi.
"It might even be a pre-cursor to what may lie ahead this season."
McIlroy has played in Abu Dhabi seven times and been runner-up on three occasions, twice missing out by just one stroke after being hit with two-shot penalties on both occasions.
He was particularly unfortunate last year, when he was deemed to have not taken full relief after being awarded a free drop away from a cart path, and he went on to finish a shot shy of Pablo Larrazabal.
McIlroy said: "In 2012 and 2014 I finished one behind, and I had a two-shot penalty both years, so I think the goal for me this year is to avoid two-shot penalties and we’ll see what happens."
The 25-year-old goes into this week with a remarkable record in his last 10 events. The world No 1 has three wins – including The Open and US PGA – as well as three runner-up finishes. The four-time major champion also has a top five and a top 10 finish to his name and has not finished outside the top 25 in any of those 10 tournaments.
Live coverage of the Abu Dhabi Championship begins on Thursday morning at 5.30am on Sky Sports 4 - your home of golf.
