McIlroy's elbow gives him the needle before Masters

The World No.2 made a spirited run up the leaderboard at the Houston Open on Sunday, carding a 4-under 31 on the front nine that included an eagle.

- TEXAS: Rory McIlroy acknowledged he is dealing with an elbow injury as he prepares to head to Augusta for next week's Masters.

He made three more birdies before closing with a bogey to settle for a tie for fifth.

Despite shooting 65-64 over the weekend, McIlroy told NBC Sports that his right elbow has been bothering him. The Masters begins in 10 days.

"Get some treatment on that and make sure that's OK going into Augusta," he said.

McIlroy is not playing in this week's Texas Valero Open, giving him time to rest the elbow and work on a tweak he made following the third round in Houston.