Golf star Paul McGinley believes Rory McIlroy is 'less hard on himself' compared to before as the Briton prepares for the Masters at Augusta.
The 35-year-old will be hoping to secure a first major since 2014 when he takes to the course later this month.
McIlroy has been in fine form over the past 12 months, with the Northern Irishman rising to No 2 in the PGA Tour rankings.
He will take to the course at Augusta hoping to secure what would arguably be the biggest title of his career so far.
Golf star Rory McIlroy has been in fine form as the start of the Masters creeps closer
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McGinley, speaking to the Daily Mail, believes things are looking positive for McIlroy.
And he's expressed a belief that the golfer being 'less hard on himself' bodes well as he looks to end his 11-year drought for major glory.
"The big thing I’ve noticed is he's less hard himself," said the 58-year-old.
"He moves on very quickly from a bad shot or a setback.
"Nobody is better than Scottie Scheffler at leaving a bad shot behind and if you’ve noticed, Rory has spoken a lot about watching what Scheffler has done.
"What we're seeing with Rory now is his ability to not linger on mistakes.
"He's able to hang in when he's not quite got his best stuff and still shoot decent scores.
"A big one for me was when he won the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai last November.
Golf star Paul McGinley believes Rory McIlroy is 'less hard on himself' compared to before as the Briton prepares for the Masters at Augusta
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"The Americans won't make a big deal about that because it wasn't on the PGA Tour but it was a strong field and Rory was in control with 10 holes to play.
"Suddenly, Rory dropped a couple, Rasmus Hojgaard was level and we had to see how Rory would respond.
"Coming up short was becoming a narrative - he’d had the US Open, got passed on the rails by Hojgaard at the Irish Open, lost a play-off at Wentworth to Billy Horschel, so we’re all watching.
"Then he hits a wedge to one foot at 16 for birdie and birdies the last as well - to finish the way he did, that shows the toughness."
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McIlroy has been working with Dr Bob Rotella in an attempt to banish any mental demons.
Dr Rotella, speaking to the publication, has claimed that the Briton is 'very excited' about the Masters - despite the big pressure on his shoulders.
"Basically our goal for the year was to approach all of the majors the same," he revealed.
"The challenge is that he's playing very nice golf at the moment and can you deal with the expectations and stay present?
Rory McIlroy will be hoping to win a first major in 11 years at the Masters
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"I mean, he's very excited. He kept playing golf all off season because he wanted to be ready early in the year.
"And you know, when you want it as badly as he wants to win the Masters, you have to be able to temper it a little bit and allow yourself to just go play golf. Because he’s a darn good golfer.
"We keep saying, 'Just let yourself be Rory. Be yourself.'"
