Rory McIlroy says he hopes to take a relaxed mindset from this year’s behind-closed-doors Masters into next spring’s tournament – whether or not the patrons have returned to Augusta.
The Green Jacket remains elusive for McIlroy, who finished in a tie for fifth, nine shots behind Dustin Johnson as the American claimed his first Masters victory on Sunday.
The Northern Irishman’s hopes of completing a career grand slam with the only major missing from his collection were all-but-ended by a three-over 75 in the first round but he rallied superbly across the next three days, first to make the cut and then to finish 11-under-par.
With this year’s tournament having been postponed from its usual April slot because of the coronavirus pandemic, McIlroy’s next opportunity is only months away and the 31-year-old is determined to take the lessons from this week into that event.
"[It was] definitely more relaxed, definitely not as much anxiety or stress," he said of the atmosphere without fans present this week.
"I think it has been easier because I get home after I play and my attention is completely turned to something else, it is not really on the golf, I can sit there and play with my daughter and completely get my mind off it.
"It's a little more relaxed and I like this vibe a little better.
"Hopefully we get back to normal Masters in a few months' time but I'm going to try to adopt this approach."
