& # 039; Maybe that's what I need & # 039; – McIlroy optimistic about November Masters

Rory McIlroy is looking for a first big win since winning a second USPGA title six years ago

World number one Rory McIlroy said stepping up the Masters in November could spur his quest for a Grand Slam career .

The first gentleman major of the year was moved from his traditional lock in April due to the coronavirus pandemic.

McIlroy, who needs the Masters to complete a collection of major titles, believes that having the title at the "back" of the year can help his preparations.

"It will be a different feeling," McIlroy told Michelle Wie on Instagram Live.

In conversation with former US Women's Open champion Who on the Nike Golf account said the Holywood golfer: "Two of the majors will already have been played, hopefully the Ryder Cup has already been played. People will be a little more into their routine and into the flow. "

The golf calendar has been dramatically uprooted by Covid-19 concerns, with The Open Championship postponed to 2021 and the PGA Championship and US Open moving to August and September.

McIlroy, whose best finish at Masters was fourth in 2015, believes playing two majors and a Ryder Cup will calm the hype for his next trip to Augusta.

"I always feel there is a bit of expectation in Augusta, the first major event of the year," he said.

"There's all this hype. I don't think it will feel this year, it will feel different, but it's something I'm looking forward to.

" It's going to be this year another Masters, but personally, maybe selfish, that's what I need to get the jacket. "

Ryder Cup & # 39; the most intense atmosphere & # 39;

McIlroy was part of the European team that won the Ryder Cup in France in 2018

. The four-time winner is expected to play a key role when Padraig Harrington's European Ryder Cup team meets the United States on Whistling Straits in September.

Now a veteran of five Ryder Cups, McIlroy admits that nothing can match the atmosphere of the biennial showpiece of golf.

"You don't just play for yourself, you play for your teammates, you play for your country, you play for many different people," he said.

"Pressure at the Ryder Cup is different. I think if you look at people who performed well in Ryder Cups before winning majors, I think it's a good precursor.

& # 39; I think the Ryder Cup is the biggest and most intense atmosphere for you to play under. If you can handle that, you can also deal with majors. "