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McIlroy plotting Augusta revenge

Rory McIlroy is hoping to make amends at The Masters this year © PA Photos

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Rory McIlroy believes he will head to Augusta National next month for The Masters "with something to prove" - just as he did prior to his first major title at last year's US Open.

McIlroy will be returning to the site of his most disappointing moment as a professional golfer to date when the first major of the year gets underway in April. Nearly 12 months ago, he turned a four-shot lead into a ten-shot deficit following a back-nine meltdown to throw away any chance he had of claiming a maiden Green Jacket.

The 22-year-old bounced back from that to enter the major winner's circle at the next opportunity at Congressional, however, and will channel that same feeling when he returns to Augusta.

The Northern Irishman, ranked No. 2 in the world, will not make another competitive appearance prior to the tournament, preferring to practice in private.

"I'll feel like I felt going into the US Open," McIlroy said. "I'll have something to prove and have a little bit extra motivation. Maybe a little bit of revenge as well, trying to make amends for what happened.

"It's a course that suits me and it would be great to have a chance going into Sunday."

Phil Mickelson, a three-time champion at Augusta, is taking a different route as he readies himself for a challenge, however. The left-hander is playing in the Arnold Palmer Invitational this week to get his game in shape, and admits it is the relaxed feeling he gets at The Masters that will stand him in good stead.

"I just have this ease going to Augusta because you don't have to be perfect there," Mickelson noted. "You can make mistakes, you can make some loose swings and so I feel very relaxed.

"But if I can get some good ball-striking and some good momentum from these couple of tournaments, like I did in 2006, I think it would be a much easier route and a better route to try to capture a fourth green jacket."

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