A swoosh in his step as Rory McIlroy eyes Masters glory

When Rory McIlroy steps onto the practice range at Augusta National today he will do so with that bounce in his stride that tells you he is a golfer with everything in place to take the final step on his road to golfing immortality.

The Irishman was due to arrive in Augusta last night to renew his bid for the Masters victory that has eluded him in eight attempts and which since 2014 has been the one major title he needs to complete the set and secure the career grand slam only five golfers have achieved.

At the age of 27, with his wedding to Erica Stoll set for later this month and a newly-inked 10-year contract extension with Nike confirmed yesterday, life may not be sweeter for McIlroy.