Rory McIlroy: Winning Masters once will make it a bit easier to it win again

The Northern Irishman ended an 11-year wait to become one of only six players to complete the career Grand Slam with his play-off victory last April.

Rory McIlroy claimed the green Masters jacket last year (Brian Lawless/PA)

Rory McIlroy expects to feel “free” when he returns to Augusta for the defence of his Masters title and is putting no pressure on himself to win the green jacket again.

The Northern Irishman ended an 11-year wait to become one of only six players to complete the career Grand Slam with his play-off victory over Ryder Cup team-mate Justin Rose last April.