Rory: Mind game WIN was crucial

RORY Mcllroy believes “defeating my own mind” was key to winning the Masters and will take “nothing but positive vibes” into next week's US PGA Championship.

- By PHIL CASEY

Mcllroy’s thrilling victory at Augusta National made him just the sixth player to complete a career grand slam and came on his 11th attempt to join Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods in golf's most exclusive club. It was a victory many observers had doubted would ever happen given Mcllroy’s long major drought, especially after he had failed to convert a two-shot lead late in the final round of last year's US Open at Pinehurst. And the world number two almost squandered a five-shot lead with eight holes to play before beating Ryder Cup team-mate Justin Rose with a birdie on the first play-off hole.