Monday 24 November 2014 18:28, UK
Rory McIlroy has admitted his overwhelming priority for next season is to complete a full set of major titles at the Masters in April.
The world No 1 is looking forward to an extended break following his defence of the Australian Open in Sydney this week, but his preparations for the first major of the year are already under way.
As he reflected on the best season of his career following his second-place finish at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, McIlroy needed only two words to describe his main goal for 2015.
“Green Jacket”, he replied when asked about his top target for next year. “I will work hard and make sure I'm ready for that.”
No European has triumphed at Augusta since Jose Maria Olazabal won his second Masters in 1999, but McIlroy is almost certain to start as a red-hot favourite as he chases a third consecutive major win.
I feel like I came through this year stronger and wiser, and I can go into 2015 in a much better place
The 25-year-old bounced back from a torrid 2013 campaign with five victories this year, and he feels his improved driving accuracy was a significant factor in his rise back to the top of the world rankings.
"In terms of ball striking, I've driven it better, which is a huge part of my game," McIlroy said. "When I drive it well I can give myself shorter irons into greens and more opportunities for birdies. My mid-range putting has also been very good this year."
McIlroy also insisted he was “stronger and wiser” after dealing with a number of off-course issues this year, including his ongoing legal dispute with his former management company as well as his high-profile split from fiancée Caroline Wozniacki just days before his win at the BMW PGA Championship in May.
"This year has been full of ups and downs, mainly ups, which is a great thing," he added. "I learned a lot from it and I feel like I came through this year stronger and wiser, and I can go into 2015 in a much better place.
“I'm happy with the success that I've had and I feel like there's been a lot that I've learned this year, as well, and that's a great thing going into the future.
"This week's a big week. I want to go down there and play well and do a good job with defending my title. After that I've got a pretty busy week. I'm not playing golf but I've got a few other commitments and things to do.
"But I'll have a little bit of downtime over Christmas and New Year, which will be nice. I'll start practising again early on in the new year and getting ready for Abu Dhabi."
McIlroy has now spent a total of 56 weeks as world No 1 during his career and feels he has finally come to grips with the responsibility which accompanies such a lofty position.
"I used to be uncomfortable," added McIlroy, who is in his fifth spell at the top of the rankings. "You get to the point where there's added scrutiny and there's added criticism or whatever it is.
"But I learned to deal with it. It's just part of the title now, world No 1. That's what it comes with. I've become comfortable with it.
"I've spent more than a year of my career at world No 1, so if I'm not used to it by now, then there's something wrong. I obviously enjoy it. It's where I want to be. I want to be the best player in the world and I want to keep it for as long as I possibly can."
