Wednesday April 06, 2011, 07:50 PM

Rory McIlroy is hoping that a low-key buildup to his third Masters campaign can avoid the kind of collapse that left him in despair last year.

The young Ulsterman headed for home 12 months ago after missing the cut and he vowed then to take off the time he needed to come back with a refreshed attitude.

He managed that spectacularly by finishing in a tie for third place in both the British Open and the PGA Championship and he has remained in the world top 10 since then.

But this time around, McIlroy has decided ahead of the year's first major to steer shy of the spotlight that has been beamed on him since he first burst onto the world stage as a 17-year-old amateur at the 2007 British Open.

McIlroy in fact was the last of the 99-strong Masters field to register for the tournament on Tuesday evening and did not play the course until Wednesday when he had nine holes in the company of Lee Westwood and Tom Watson.

He did in fact check out Augusta National on the Thursday and Friday of the previous week, but then went to ground in an effort to maintain his energy levels.

"I haven't down any media work this week -- just purposely trying to fly in under the radar," the 21-year-old from Hollywood outside Belfast said.

"Obviously all the talk is about Phil (Mickelson) winning last weekend, Tiger (Woods) and Martin (Kaymer) as Number one in the world and Lee (Westwood).

"I have just tried to stay as quiet as possible and do my own thing and hopefully make a bit of noise at the weekend."

Whether that approach works or not, McIlroy is keenly aware that the time has come when he needs to be adding some more silverware to his trophy collection.

With more than 100 tournaments played in his professional career, he has won only twice -- firstly in the 2009 Dubai Desert Classic and then at Quail Hollow on the US Tour the following year.

"Having just two wins in 100 tournaments isn't good enough, so I want to get that percentage up. Obviously it would be a nice start here to get another one," McIlroy said.

"My game has been very consistent -- three top 10s and a couple of chances to win. Feels like I haven't quite knocked it off on a Sunday when I needed too, but I feel like my game is in good shape.

"It's all there -- just a case of producing it on the course when it matters."

One authority who believes that McIlroy could be set to make his big breakthrough at a major this week is 75-year-old South African legend Gary Player.

Asked how he rated the Irishman, Player replied: "Rory McIlroy is so talented. I've got a feeling about him. I don't know why. He is ready to come through. I just love the way he plays golf."

© 2011 AFP/sid