Blossoming maturity

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland (R) and his girlfriend, tennis player Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark, stand on the first tee during the annual Masters Par 3 Contest at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, April 10, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

Having ascended to the top of the game at such a young age, McIlroy has done some of his growing up on public display.

More of his blossoming maturity was in evidence when he spoke about a tactical change he planned for this Masters.

"I'm probably going to adopt a little different strategy off the tee this year than the previous years, try to hit it into the fat parts of the fairway," said McIlroy. "Because I'm confident with my iron play, there's no point in taking on too much off the tee.

"There's generous fairways out there. You hit into the fat parts and you're always going to give yourself a good chance to get it close to the pin."

McIlroy said that did not mean he would not go full throttle when need be.

"Of course you still have to be aggressive around this golf course, but I think there's times where you have to put it in play, put it in the middle of the fairway, and instead of trying to give yourself an eight-or nine-iron into the green, know that you're going to have just as good of a chance hitting a six-or seven-iron."

Tennis player Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark (R) hits a tee shot on the 9th hole as her boyfriend Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland (2nd L) and his compatriot Graeme Mcdowell look on during the annual Masters Par 3 Contest at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, April 10, 2013.[Photo/Agencies]

McIlroy yearns for another chance as good as he had at the 2011 Masters, when he carried a four-stroke lead into the final round before soaring to an 80 finish to tie for 15th.

"I had a chance to win in 2011 and obviously that didn't go too well, but it still doesn't change the fact that it's my favorite golf tournament," he said. "Growing up watching this on TV ... it's a place that's very special to me.

"I don't know if I can explain it. Every time you drive in the gates here is a big thrill.

The season starts now, as far as McIlroy is concerned.

"I've always said the main golf season is from the start of April to the end of August, so that's when I want to play my best golf," he added, describing the span of months that comprise golf's four majors.

But first will come some fun, and McIlroy said he plans to share the thrill with his girlfriend, former world women's tennis number one Caroline Wozniacki, who will caddy for him at Wednesday's Par-3 contest.