Tuesday 29 March 2016 10:33, UK
Rory McIlroy will not play in the Par 3 Contest on the eve of The Masters next week as he feels it could take away from his focus on the tournament.
McIlroy managed a career-best fourth at Augusta National last year, when he played in the popular contest with One Direction's Niall Horan as his caddie.
But the Northern Irishman feels his best performance in the tournament came in 2011 when he did not play in the Par 3 Contest.
McIlroy went into the final round of that event five shots clear, but experienced a horrible meltdown on the Sunday, carding a round of 80 as Charl Schwartzel came through to claim the green jacket.
Since then McIlroy has had two high-profile caddies in the Par 3, Horan last year preceded by then fiance Caroline Wozniacki carrying his bag in 2014 before their high-profile split.
"I'm not going to play the Par 3 Contest this year as it's just too much hassle and it's a bit of a distraction," said McIlroy, who will again be bidding to complete a career grand slam.
"The year I had my best chance at Augusta, and that was in 2011 as I didn't play the Par 3 Contest so maybe the decision not to play it this year can work in my favour.
"I will get into Augusta on Sunday night and play Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday morning.
"I've arranged with Matt Fitzpatrick and Andy Sullivan to play a practice round with them one day, so that will be nice to sort of show them the Augusta ropes. But then they're also very talented and I'm sure they'll learn fast.
"As for my game, I do feel as though I am similar to where I was with my game last year as I am very happy with my game as everything feels pretty good.
"And I guess you can see it as a sign of my confidence that I am not going to Augusta early as the course changes so much just from Wednesday to Thursday.
"So compared to a year ago and all the hype of winning the Grand Slam, I already feel a little more mellow and a lot more chilled."
