Rory McIlroy woke early, far too early. It was 03:00 on Monday morning and his stomach was already starting to churn. He was three holes away from winning a second Players Championship and he felt the trophy should already be his.
Would this prove another big victory to elude him? The world number 57, JJ Spaun, stood between him and one of the most coveted crowns in the game.
As it turned out, the 35-year-old Northern Irishman was going to be able to celebrate this St Patrick’s Day in style. McIlroy channelled his nerves while his American opponent faltered – his hopes drowning when he overshot the island green 17th, the second of the three play-off holes.
It sets up McIlroy perfectly for his latest tilt at completing the career Grand Slam of major titles when he goes to Augusta for next month’s Masters. That’s where the chat is going – will he do it and finally, at long, long last don the famous Green Jacket?
“I feel like I’m a better player now than I ever have been,” he said. “I feel like I can play all conditions and in anything that comes my way.”