Golf: McIlroy excited by prospect of partnering Mickelson

The 20-year-old Northern Irishman has been paired with defending champion Phil Mickelson in the opening two rounds of the CA world championship in Miami.

McIlroy last played with Mickelson in Shanghai in November and said: "I think we enjoyed each other's company. I really like the way he approaches the game. It's probably quite similar to myself – quite aggressive and goes for shots that some people might not. It depends what type of mind you have. If you've got a more analytical sort of mind you'll probably play a little more conservative."

As for the biggest draw in golf – Tiger Woods, of course – more people are starting to think that he will be back in two weeks' time at the "behind-closed-doors" Tavistock Cup and then the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Both events are in Orlando, home to the world number one and where he has been practising since coming out of a sex addiction clinic.

"It's certainly going to be interesting to see not just how he plays, but how he handles the whole situation," stated McIlroy.

"I think everyone is excited to see him get back out onto the golf course and play golf. From the reports I've heard he seems to be swinging it well and as good as he ever was. It will be exciting the next few weeks, whenever he comes back. I know a lot of people are saying Tavistock or Bay Hill. It would be nice to see him back."

In the meantime McIlroy is keen to get back to winning ways as soon as he can – and as a means to that end he has spent time not only with American sports psychologist Bob Rotella, but also Jack Nicklaus. A meeting was arranged for him at last week's Honda Classic, where Nicklaus acts as tournament host.

"It was an unbelievable experience," said the youngster, who has climbed into the world's top 10 despite his only professional victory remaining last February's Dubai Desert Classic.

"One of the reasons I wanted to go to Bob was to try to finish the job off a bit more and be a more clinical. Jack's been the best at winning and was probably the most clinical of them all. It was great to sit down and talk with him and see his approach to winning, what went through his head whenever he was in contention and what things he might have done differently to other people.

"It was probably the best 90 minutes I've spent in a long time. He said the best ever tournament he played he didn't win – The Open in '77 – and there were other times where he didn't play his best, but got the job done. One of the biggest things I took from it was patience."