Six-time major winner Rory McIlroy said he did not play anywhere else in recent weeks in anticipation of the tournament

The defending Masters champion skipped three PGA Tour events to practice at Augusta, where he has built up a ‘nice cushion’ with a six-shot lead

The American shot a sublime 65 in a show of strength at Augusta on Saturday to give himself a chance of a third Masters title

Six-time major winner Rory McIlroy said he did not play anywhere else in recent weeks in anticipation of the tournament