World No. 2 Rory McIlroy didn’t get to slip on the winning Valero Texas Open cowboy boots but he’s now ready to slip into an Augusta National green jacket.

Even though McIlroy didn’t in San Antonio it seems that everytime he’s questioned he responds, as we reported earlier this week, in the best way possible.

McIlroy posted a final round 66 to finish in second place on 12 under and two shots behind Scotland’s Martin Laird.

Rory McIlroy heads to the Masters will just the confidence he needed in finishing second in the Valero Tdxas Open. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)

It is McIlroy’s best finish all season and has clearly instilled a new found confidence in his hopes of adding the Masters to his 2011 US Open and 2012 PGA Championship succcess.

“Over the last three rounds especially just eliminating the stupid mistakes that I was making on the course, mental errors,” said McIlroy.

“You know, to finish off this tournament with a round like today is obviously great going into Augusta.  So, even though, as you said, I didn’t get the trophy, Martin just played too good today.  I mean, 63 out there in these conditions is phenomenal.  I’m really pleased with my game, and I think this is a great week for me.

“It was my best round of the year and I feel like my game’s in really good shape going into the Masters.

“A round like that today gives me a nice little bit of confidence.  I thought if I got to 12‑under today that might have been good enough, but Martin just played too good and held so many putts.  It was hard to keep up.”

And after an 11th hour decision to add the $6.2m event to his schedule McIlroy left on one of three private jets arranged by sponsor Valero to fly those competing in the Masters direct from San Antonio to Augusta.

“It’s been great coming here to San Antonio,” he said.

“It’s been a really good week.  I really enjoyed myself.  I think everyone’s been so welcoming and really made us feel comfortable.  I really enjoyed the week.  It was great.

“I think over the last three rounds especially just eliminating the stupid mistakes that I was making on the course, mental errors.  You know, to finish off this tournament with a round like today is obviously great going into Augusta.  So, even though, as you said, I didn’t get the trophy, Martin just played too good today.  I mean, 63 out there in these conditions is phenomenal.  I’m really pleased with my game, and I think this is a great week for me.

“It’s disappointing that you didn’t win, but I thought you really played well.  This was your best round maybe of the year.  I didn’t see you throw away a single shot out there.”