Rory McIlroy has claimed that The Masters is the only tournament which causes him to feel nervous as he prepares to launch his campaign at Augusta National this week.
The world number one is looking to complete a career Grand Slam when the first Major of the year gets underway on Thursday, and he has admitted that teeing off at the famous course has a unique impact on him.
"The first tee shot of this tournament is the only shot I get nervous about these days," McIlroy told reporters. "You get butterflies and your heart races a little bit. I still get that feeling that I did when I was a rookie.
"It's a golf course that is very special not just to me and to the players that are playing this week, but to the game. Augusta National is a very special place and I'm just glad to be back.
"I've done a lot of work over the past couple of days to prepare and I'm looking forward to getting going now."
McIlroy is looking to become just the sixth player to complete the career Grand Slam since The Masters was introduced in 1934.
Callum Mulvihill
