Rory McIlroy prepares for the Masters after elbow injury

In the lead-up to the Masters, which takes place at Augusta National Golf Club in the United States, Rory McIlroy is aiming to complete a career grand slam by winning the prestigious tournament this year. McIlroy has finished fifth at the recent Houston Open, but he did so despite dealing with an elbow injury, which he addressed by prescribing himself rest and working closely with his coach, Michael Bannon. This preparation phase is crucial, as McIlroy has struggled in previous attempts to secure victory at Augusta, counting a total of 10 attempts since winning his last major title in 2014. Veteran golfer Sir Nick Faldo believes that this year marks a significant opportunity for McIlroy as he believes the golfer is reaching the peak of his powers. Faldo notes McIlroy's physical fitness and technical skills, emphasizing that he has never previously entered the Masters on the back of two victories in preceding tournaments, which adds a different kind of pressure and expectation this time around. Despite the positives, McIlroy's previous struggles at Augusta create an imposing shadow, suggesting that success cannot be taken for granted. The 36-year-old McIlroy aims to draw confidence from his statistics, which show that he is reaching the best form of his career. Faldo’s insights echo that preparation and mental strategy are critical for McIlroy's success at Augusta, where he will need to visualize his shots carefully to minimize mistakes. McIlroy, now with a maturity borne from many years on the tour, knows he will have to contend with not only the course but also the high caliber of competition that will be present. As the date of the Masters approaches, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if McIlroy can overcome his prior struggles at Augusta and claim the elusive Masters title, thereby achieving a career grand slam which has become a central narrative in his career. This master narrative of McIlroy's pursuit of history places immense expectations on his shoulders as he prepares for the pivotal tournament.