Rory McIlroy to 'embrace' Augusta hype as he chases career Slam

Rory McIlroy says he will "embrace the pressure" in his attempt to complete the career Grand Slam at next year's Masters at Augusta.

McIlroy's Open Championship triumph at Hoylake secured him the third leg of the career Slam and he earned a second US PGA title three weeks later.

"I know there is going to be a lot of hype going into Augusta," McIlroy, 25, told BBC Sport Northern Ireland.

"The spotlight will be firmly focused on me but I won't mind."

McIlroy led the 2011 Masters by four shots heading into the final round but a closing 80 saw him tumble down the leaderboard.

The Northern Irishman regrouped from that disappointment by winning the US Open two months later and also landed the 2012 US PGA title.

McIlroy won his second US PGA title at Valhalla in August

Speaking after opening a new support centre for children with cancer in County Down, McIlroy says he has thought about how victory at Augusta next April would set him up for an attempt at winning four successive majors at the US Open two months later.

"It is just about preparing properly and doing the right things and making sure when I get to Augusta in April that everything is ready to go," he said.

"If that was to happen, there could be even more hype going into the US Open and trying to hold all four [majors] at the same time.

"But we're getting ahead of ourselves there. Look, Augusta is going to be a very special week and hopefully I can live up to expectations.

"I know if I play my best golf, I will have a great chance to win."