It's tee time in Masters for Rory McIlroy

The hype surrounding McIlroy's attempt to join Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods in winning all four major titles has been building since the night before his Open victory at Hoylake last July.

And although the return of Woods to competitive action after two months on the sidelines has taken some of the spotlight off McIlroy, the world number one is anxious to let his clubs do the talking – starting today.

McIlroy said: "I told people, in the middle of last week, 'if Augusta was to start tomorrow, I'd be OK. I'm ready. I think that's a good indication of where I am with my game.

"I've been ready for this thing to start for a week already so just trying to keep my game where it is and do some quality work, not overdo it.

McIlroy followed Woods into the media centre at Augusta National and admitted the presence of the 14-time major winner – who was relaxed and jovial with the press – could work in his favour.

The 25-year-old added: "A little bit, I guess. It is such a big story, Tiger coming back at the Masters after a bit of a lengthy period where he has not been around.

"But still I'm just here to play golf and you guys can write the stories, I won't read them and we'll move on."

McIlroy has recorded just one top-10 finish in six previous appearances at Augusta – last year's tie for eighth.

But he did take a four-shot lead into the final round in 2011 before collapsing to a closing 80.

He admits he will have to play the par fives better to have a chance of slipping on a green jacket on Sunday, covering them in level par last year.

That was compared to eight under by champion Bubba Watson, who finished eight shots ahead.