• Golf

McIlroy: I want two majors in 2014

ESPN staff
January 2, 2014
Rory McIlroy won the Australian Open in December © Getty Images
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Rory McIlroy may have missed out on a major last year but he's aiming to make up for it by winning two in 2014.

Having slipped down the rankings from world No.1 to No.6, McIlroy ended his season on a high with victory in his penultimate tournament at December's Australian Open, beating Adam Scott by one shot.

The 24-year-old also endured a fallout with management company Horizon and adjusted to new clubs as part of his sponsorship deal with Nike.

But now after announcing his engagement to tennis star Caroline Wozniacki, McIlroy is hoping for a full return to form.

"I feel like I am very close - I'm confident with my game and confident where it's going," said McIlroy.

"I won a major in 2011 and 2012 but not in 2013, so I'll try to make up for that with two this year.

"I feel that my game is really coming back, going down to Australia and winning. Beating Adam Scott down there was really nice and while it doesn't make up for the other weeks during the year, it gives me some momentum for 2014.

"I didn't really have a chance to win any of the majors last year - I just didn't get into contention. I'm so much better down the stretch and I'm so much better under pressure than I used to be, so If I give myself a chance in these tournaments I know I'll have a great opportunity to win.

"I didn't have the greatest of seasons in 2013 but I feel like I'll definitely make up for that in 2014."

Meanwhile, Masters champion Scott is to take a six-week break following this month's Sony Open and will miss the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship. The Dove Mountain event takes place over February 19-23, and is the first World Golf Championship tournament of the season.

It will mark the first time Scott has missed the competition since he became eligible for it in 2002. Scott has been eliminated in the first round in the last three years.

Scott won the Australian Masters and PGA Championship in November before McIlroy denied him the 'Triple Crown' at the Australian Open.

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