• Golf

McIlroy signals one goal for 2015 - Green Jacket

Rory McIlroy has set himself one target for 2015 - winning his first Green Jacket at the Masters.

Golf's first major of the year remains the only one that has so far eluded McIlroy, who added the Open Championship to his collection in July before securing his second US PGA Championship title the following month.

Following a year in which he also lifted his third Ryder Cup, McIlroy had just two words when asked what he hopes to achieve in the next 12 months: "Green Jacket".

McIlroy won two majors in 2014 © Getty Images

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It's not something I thought possible," he added, after finishing second to Henrik Stenson at the Tour Championship on Sunday. "I will work hard and make sure I'm ready for that."

McIlroy, 25, would become the first European to claim a Masters victory since Jose Maria Olazabal in 1999 and he believes the experiences of the past 12 months have put him in a better position to challenge for the title.

He admitted he struggled to cope with the pressure of being golf's World No.1, while he has also been forced to deal with issues off the course, including a legal dispute with his former agents Horizon Sports and the separation from ex-fiancee Caroline Wozniacki.

"In terms of ball striking, I've driven it better, which is a huge part of my game," McIlroy said. "When I drive it well I can give myself shorter irons into greens and more opportunities for birdies. My mid-range putting has been very good this year.

"I used to be uncomfortable [of being World No.1]. There's added scrutiny and there's added criticism. But I learned to deal with it. It's just part of the title. I want to keep it for as long as I possibly can."

Speaking of his off-course difficulties, McIlroy added: "I learned a lot from it. I feel I came through this year stronger and wiser and can go into 2015 in a much better place."

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