McIlroy says Augusta burden has gone after Masters triumph

AUGUSTA, Georgia, April 7 : Rory McIlroy said arriving at Augusta National as the reigning Masters champion had left him feeling more relaxed than at any point in his previous visits, with the burden that once followed him here finally gone.

McIlroy, who completed the career Grand Slam with a thrilling Masters triumph last year, said that after years of counting down to the opening tee shot, his mindset had changed completely. 

"For the past 17 years I just could not wait for the tournament to start, and this year I wouldn't care if the tournament never started," a smiling McIlroy told reporters while donning his Green Jacket. 

"That's sort of the difference."

STILL MOTIVATED

The Northern Irishman said winning the Masters had not made him any less driven to contend again, but it had changed how he felt walking the grounds. 

"It's completely different. I feel so much more relaxed," he said.

"It doesn't make me any less motivated to go out there and play well and try to win the tournament, just relaxed."

McIlroy's newfound ease was apparent in a wide-ranging press conference as he prepared to host the Masters Champions Dinner for the first time on Tuesday evening, where he is in charge of selecting the menu.

"People keep asking me why didn't you go more Irish? And I said, because I want to enjoy the dinner as well," he said to laughter from reporters.

The five-times major champion said Augusta may now offer his best chance to add to his major tally because of the experience he has built here. 

"I think this one," he said when asked which of the four majors best suited him going forward.

He said his familiarity with Augusta National set it apart from the other major venues, which rotate from year to year. 

"I just think that everything