McIlroy aims at eradicating shortcomings ahead of Masters at Augusta

World number three golfer Rory McIlroy has expressed his desire to get back on the winning track so as to gain some confidence before leading into the Grand Slam Masters, which will be held at Augusta National in April.

The Northern Irishman endured an injury-wrecked 2015 season and slipped to third behind Jordan Spieth and Australia's Jason Day in the world rankings.

McIlroy admitted he needs to eradicate his shortcomings, saying that he had to focus on strengthening his mental skills, Sport24 reported.

The four-time major champion will now play his final tune-up event World Golf Championship Dell Match Play before next month's Masters.

The 26-year-old believes that this week's championship was the only opportunity for him to improve and gain some confidence ahead of the major tournament.

Insisting that most of his competitors were running in good form, McIlroy admitted that he had to play at the best of his abilities to achieve victory.

The Dell Match Play tournament will feature an unusual format this time with 16 groups consisting of four players each contesting in a round robin phase before advancing to a knockout stage.