Rory McIlroy names the two elements of his game he’s working on ahead of The Masters after admitting he was ‘tentative’ at The Players

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Rory McIlroy soared into some sort of contention with a fine third around at the Houston Open that saw him into the clubhouse at nine under par.

McIlroy is still some way off the leader Min Woo Lee, who shot a brilliant seven under par to take his overall score to 17 under and a four shot lead ahead of Sunday’s final round.

For Rory McIlroy, the key at the Houston Open is fine tuning his game ahead of his big push to win the Masters in two weeks’ time.

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And according to McIlroy, there is two key aspects of his game under the spotlight in Houston in order to get himself in prime condition for Augusta.

Rory McIlroy says what he’s working on ahead of The Masters

Speaking to the press immediately after his fine third round performance, McIlroy was questioned on just what he is trying to fine tune ahead of Augusta.

And for McIlroy, it seems it’s all about two big elements of his golf game.

“I wanted to see myself drive it a little bit better, which I haven’t really seen. It’s hard here because, you know, it’s so wide that it entices you to just stand up and try to hit it as hard as you can, so accuracy isn’t a premium at all this week,” McIlory admitted.

“Then I guess like short game-wise, like chipping, I wanted that to be a little better. I felt I was a little tentative with some chips at Sawgrass, but chipping’s been really good this week. I scrambled well, so that’s been good to see.

“Still feel like I need to do a little bit of work off the tee and sort of get the driver figured out.”

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Why Rory McIlroy is trying to sort his driving out

Despite winning at The Players, Rory McIlroy was way off his usual standards with the big stick and it’s little wonder to hear he’s trying to sort it.

Indeed, McIlroy admitted after round one that he was struggling to drive the ball, although he did lay the blame with his rain gear on that occasion.

Nevertheless, McIlroy relies on being a big driver of the ball and on his day, it can put him well ahead of the field.

Going into Augusta, if McIlroy is off it with the driver, then he can essentially forget about winning The Masters, such is the unforgiving nature of the Augusta National golf course.