Major-less Garcia advises McIlroy

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You would have got massive odds on him still being without a major entering 2009, but that is the situation as world number three Garcia tees off in The Masters on Thursday.

It also serves as a reminder that, for all the praise being poured on Northern Ireland 19-year-old Rory McIlroy at the moment, nothing should be taken for granted yet. But he did say this about McIlroy in a recent magazine interview: "I definitely see a lot of me in Rory - that 'no fear, just hit it and go' attitude."

He added: "He's doing great, but the main thing is to pace himself. When you start out and you're doing well, it's easy to play too much.

"As the years have gone by, I've learned that you have to control yourself a bit to make sure you pick the times when you want to be at your best in the season. But Rory's a wonderful golfer."

McIlroy is playing his first Masters - and also his first major as a professional. Woods did that in 1997 and won it by a record 12 shots with a record 18 under par total.

Garcia is playing his 42nd major and 11th Masters, and has only twice finished in the top 10. Many thought the lengthening of the course might help his chances, but he has missed the cut three of the four years since his fourth place in 2004.

"I think it used be a little more enjoyable than it is now," said the Spaniard. "It used to be all about the shots to the greens, the shots around the greens and the putting.

"Now it's too tight. Before at least you could relax a little on the tee - the challenge was from the second shot on. You still have that, but it's even harder because you have to drive really well too.

"Initially I felt good about the changes, but over the past four or five years I've felt a little less comfortable. I think it's just a matter of working at it, loosening up and just letting it happen.