Rory McIlroy Is Trying to Block Out the Noise Before Yet Another Masters Chance

Rory McIlroy, pictured after the Texas Children's Houston Open, is back at Augusta National for another shot at the career Grand Slam. | Erik Williams-Imagn Images

AUGUSTA — Like most who arrive at the Masters for the first time, Rory McIlroy took in the wonder of driving down Magnolia Lane and simply enjoyed the view.

There were no expectations, no thoughts about how the golf course might suit him, no fears of failure.