McIlroy looks to Masters to regain top form

FLORIDA: The new year has not been kind to Rory McIlroy and next week's Masters presents a shot at redemption if the Northern Irishman can solve an Augusta National course that has frustrated him in recent years.

McIlroy finished 2012 on the ultimate high, ranked number one in the world and with a second major championship in the bag. He won the money titles on the PGA and European Tours and signed a massive sponsorship deal.

But the early part of 2013 has not gone according to plan. Rather than press ahead, the 23-year-old has in explicably slipped back with inconsistent play, losing his number one ranking and failing to win a tournament.

He has struggled with his game and also his head, succumbing to the pressure of expectation. At last month's Honda Classic in Florida, an event he won last year after repelling a late charge from Tiger Woods, he quit during the second round.

He apologised and explained that he was suffering tooth pain but was heavily criticised nonetheless. He later admitted he got it wrong and should have played on. A valuable lesson was learned.

Most of the speculation about his drop in form has centered on his decision to change to Nike clubs as part of a lucrative deal he signed with the manufacturer in January.

By McIlroy insists his new equipment is not the problem as much as the mind games he is battling.

McIlroy has shown some signs of progress in the lead-up to the April 11-14 Masters but whether he can return to his best in time to win the year's first major remains to be seen. If there is one course in the world that will test McIlroy's nerves as much as his swing, it is Augusta National.

The Masters is the only major where McIlroy has yet to finish in the top 10. Two years ago, he led the Masters by four shots at the start of the final round before suffering a meltdown, shooting an 80 to tumble down the leaderboard and finish tied for 15th. (Reuters)