Can Rory McIlroy end Europe’s startling Masters drought?

Rory McIlroy may have enhanced his chances of completing the career grand slam by opting out of the par-three contest, but the world No 3 still faces a tough task to end Europe’s surprising Masters drought.

The sad news Jose Maria Olazabal would not be able to compete this year due to illness brought home the fact the Spaniard’s second victory at Augusta National in 1999 remains the last by a European, a stark contrast to the time when his compatriot Seve Ballesteros, Bernhard Langer, Sandy Lyle, Nick Faldo and Ian Woosnam enjoyed unrivalled success.

McIlroy’s first attempt to join Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods in winning all four major titles ended in noble failure last year, the 26-year-old finishing fourth with a 12-under-par total which has only been bettered four times since 2000.