Sport Book Service | Rory McIlroy slashes Masters entourage to limit background noise in bid to claim a Grand Slam of majors

RORY McILROY has risked upsetting those closest to him in his pursuit of the career Grand Slam.

He has slashed his band of hangers-on at Augusta to reduce the background noise, after admitting it has got out of hand over the years.

Rory McIlroy has told pals to stay at home this year in his quest for the Green JacketCredit: Getty Images - Getty

He said: Ive had to cut it down a bit. Everyone feels the same about The Masters as its the one tournament everyone wants to go to.

Im trying to not have such a big entourage around me, not too many people there less background noise.

I want to try and treat it like a normal week, instead of having seven people in the house and renting another house for ten more people.

It becomes quite a production at times and I just want to have it chilled and quiet. It might p*** a few people off but, if it helps me wins The Masters, I dont mind that.

McIlroy admitted that he used to rent a house for an extra ten of his matesCredit: Getty Images - Getty

The three-time major winner is only missing the Masters from his collectionCredit: PA:Press Association

McIlroy, should have no trouble wielding the axe before last years Masters he revealed that he can be impossible to live with in the build-up to the event.

The four-time Major champ admitted: I find the whole Masters thing incredibly stressful. I am a complete p***k in the week leading up to Augusta.

Im trying to deal with the pressure of it and the thrill of the achievement if it were to happen. Thats the thing thats really holding me back.

McIlroy, 28, has decided one way to deal with the pressure is to break down Augusta with almost military precision. The former world No1 has made the top ten at the Masters in each of the past four years without threatening to capture a Green Jacket.

Sergio Garcia heads to the Masters this year as defending championCredit: Reuters

The 28-year-old has said he has prepared well for the first major of the yearCredit: Getty Images - Getty

But he insists time is on his side, and provided a fascinating insight into just how thorough his preparation has been this time.

He said: Everyone thinks winning The Masters is all about putting. But If you look at the stats, the big factor in success at Augusta is greens in regulation.

Its not a very demanding course off the tee but if you can average 14 greens in regulation per round there you will have an unbelievable chance to wear a Green Jacket.

Weve also looked into certain holes, and broken it down. Take holes Ive struggled on, like the fourth and the 11th. Weve tracked pin positions for the last ten years and figured out the best position to end up for each pin. Theres a lot of detail you can go into.

Augusta is a place that can tempt you into doing too much, so being disciplined with your iron play is important. You cant go at too many pins.

A view of the famous 12th hole at Augusta that has ruined so many scorecards in the pastCredit: Getty - Contributor

Theres some no-go areas but Phil Mickelson has always said that he thinks Augusta is one of the easiest places to play all year as you have certain places where you can miss it. He knows where to do that, and leave an easy up and down.

Ive prepared well, and now I just need to put it all together. When I look back on it year on year, there has always been one piece missing from the jigsaw.

"In 2014 I played the tough holes really well but I think I played the par-fives in even par. My goal for the next year was to play the par fives better and I played them in 12-under. Unfortunately, I didnt play the tough holes as well that year!

Rory McIlroy hasn't won a major since claiming the Open Championship and the PGA Championship in 2014Credit: PA:Press Association

Its having a balance between playing the tough holes well, hitting the middle of the greens, making par and walking to the next tee, and also trying to birdie the holes you should.

Augusta is very good at tempting you into doing a little bit much at times. So its about having a really smart game plan and being disciplined and strict with yourself. Do that and well see where it takes me.

Rory McIlroy toasts to the legendary Arnold Palmer after winning the Invitational

Meanwhile, Southampton ace Harry Ellis insists he will not be starstruck as he tries to become the third amateur champion in 19 years to make the cut in The Masters.

He beat Australias Dylan Perry in last years Amateur Championship, earning a place in The Open at Birkdale the following month and a berth in this years Masters and US Open.

Since current Masters champion Sergio Garcia finished in a tie for 38th in 1999, Italys Matteo Manassero and Frances Romain Langasque are the only other amateur champions to play all four rounds at Augusta.

Ellis, 22, said: Ive seen that very few amateurs have done well here over the years. It takes time to get to know the course, but I believe in my ability and I can definitely play well here.

Ive made three or four visits now and especially this week Ive tried to get a feeling for certain areas to hit it and the right shots to hit.

Every time you turn up you learn something new about it.

Ian Poulter celebrates after winning Houston Open to clinch a place at the Masters