RORY MCILROY celebrated St Patrick's Day by winning his second Players Championships - and then claimed he is better than ever before his latest bid to claim a Green Jacket.
The Ulsterman returned to Sawgrass yesterday to beat JJ Spaun in a three-hole playoff and bank the $4.5m first prize.
He now has 28 PGA Tour titles but this is the first time the Pebble Beach champion has won two before the Masters.
And ahead of his 11th attempt to complete his career Grand Slam in Augusta, the world No.2 said he had been inspired by defending Masters champion Scottie Scheffler to raise his game.
"I am in good form, I am playing well," he said. "I feel like I'm a way more complete player than I was a few years ago.
"I feel like all aspects of my game are under control. I feel like I can play in all conditions and anything that comes my way
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
SILVER FOR GOURLEY'S BRIGT IDEA
NEIL GOURLEY tracked Jakob Ingebrigtsen's every move to secure an impressive 1500m World Indoor Championships silver before admitting: \"If you can't beat him, join him.\"
THUNDER READY TO STRIKE
KARL BURKE reckons William Hill Lincoln favourite Thunder Run is \"a Group horse in the making\" ahead of his return to action at Doncaster on Saturday and punters agree.
This is my proudest moment in football ...it was win or bust
ROBBIE SAVAGE had to wait until he was 50 to experience the joy of promotion as a player or a manager.
CORRIDOR CARE NOW 'ENDEMIC'
Emergency medics warn of 'normalising' dangerous trend
Cigs firms bid to block smoke ban
BIG tobacco firms are using old tactics to resist a bill aimed at creating a smoke-free generation, campaigners claim today.
I want to face Norris to get answers on Stephen's death... he has to spill the beans
Friend speaks out after killer finally admits being involved
Another day in sun for Molly & Tommy?
Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury are set to move in together again, with friends saying \"the love is still there\" after a holiday.
Mother's bray
A NEGLECTED donkey saved from an abattoir by an animal sanctuary has given birth.
BANTAMS BACK IN THE HUNT
GRAHAM ALEXANDER praised his BRADFORD side after the Bantams got their promotion push back on track with a 4-1 victory over COLCHESTER.
FERGIE'S WEMBLEY WOBBLY
Final is last on the list of priorities for Posh boss
