McIlroy to undertake busy build-up to 2018 Masters

LONDON: Rory McIlroy has announced he will play at least seven events in early 2018 in a busy build-up to the US Masters, where he will attempt to complete the grand slam of major titles in April.

McIlroy said on his website (www.rorymcilroy.com) that he would start his campaign with two European Tour events in the Middle East in January — the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and Dubai Desert Classic.The Northern Irishman will then switch his focus to the PGA Tour in the United States, where he will contest five tournaments in six weeks, starting at Pebble Beach in February.All of the events will be part of his preparation for the April 5-8 Masters at Augusta National.