Rory McIlroy to play next week's Texas Open

Rory McIlroy has decided to enter next week's Texas Open in a last-minute bid to tune up his game ahead of the Masters.

Tournament officials in San Antonio received the call just 30 minutes before yesterday's entry deadline.

The 23-year-old had initially opted to take a week off before the year's first Major, but patchy early-season form has forced him to alter his plans.

"I just think that a few more competitive rounds under my belt will do me a world of good going into Augusta," the Northern Irishman told the Golf Channel.

"I just feel like it's the best preparation fore me right now."

McIlroy scraped past the one-under cut at the Houston Open, but is nine shots off the lead heading into the weekend.