Meet Dr Bob Rotella, the renowned sports psychologist working with Rory McIlroy in Augusta at the Masters

RORY MCILROY has called on the help of a renowned sports psychologist to help him win an elusive Masters title.

The world number two needs only a green jacket to complete a golf Grand Slam.

It has eluded him in eight Masters to date but McIlroy hopes the presence of Dr Bob Rotella can help him find a winning edge.

McIlroy, 33, has worked with the psychologist over the last few years and finds him to be a big source of help.

The Northern Irishman says Rotella makes him feel more relaxed and confident, which could be key to McIlroy winning in Augusta.

He told team: “I’ve worked with Bob Rotella now pretty consistently over the last few years.

“So just chats with him – I always feel a bit better about everything, a bit better about myself, after I have a chat with him.

“He’s actually getting in today, we’re going to spend a little bit of time tonight and tomorrow.

"I just feel, after I’ve talked to him, a lot more relaxed, a lot more loose a lot more confident in myself.

“So I’d say if you’re talking about the mental side of things I just focus on those chats with Bob.”

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McIlroy got off to a slow start on the first day of action on Thursday.

He holed five birdies but they were cancelled out as he carded a level-par 72.

Defending champion Scottie Scheffler is well placed after a four-under 68, while Tiger Woods limped to a 74.