Rory McIlroy Opens Masters with Eyes on Career Slam

AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Rory McIlroy knows how significant this Masters could be in terms of golf history. Once again, he's got a shot at the career Grand Slam.

The Masters remains the only major championship to elude McIlroy, who has won the U.S. Open, the British Open and the PGA Championship. Only five players have captured all four of the modern major championships, making it one of golf's most exclusive clubs.

McIlroy says he needs to "relish the opportunity that's been put in front" of him, and then "go out and grab it."

Amazingly enough, McIlroy nearly won his first major at Augusta National in 2011. He led after each of the first three rounds and seemed to be cruising toward the green jacket, only to collapse on the back nine Sunday.

McIlroy says that experience made him "a better golfer, a better person." Without the lessons learned that day, he doubts that he would've had so much success.

While he hasn't come as close to winning as he did seven years ago, McIlroy has always played well at Augusta National, finishing in the top 10 each of the last four years.

He comes into this year's event off a win at Bay Hill, giving him plenty of confidence that this can finally be the year he finally breaks through.

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