Iron play the big work-on for McIlroy ahead of Players Championship 

So what is he looking for this week in the $25M U.S. Players? Does he WANT a good week or NEED a good week with the Masters just a month away?

WANT AND NEED: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland hits his shot from a bunker on the ninth hole during a practice round. Pic: Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images

One of the perks of winning 34 times across the world – including four majors and the flagship events of both the PGA and European tours – is a built-in comfort level when you show up to events like the Players Championship.

“Yeah, fortunately, there's not many places I go now where I'm not a past winner, so it's nice,” said McIlroy as the sun rose Wednesday morning at the iconic Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass.