Rory McIlroy is keen to add to his Dubai triumph from 13 months ago
Rory McIlroy has spoken of a 90-minute one-to-one talk with Jack Nicklaus which he hopes will help him achieve his golfing dreams.
"It was an unbelievable experience," said the 20-year-old Northern Irishman, now in Miami for the CA world championship starting on Thursday.
McIlroy hopes the talk with Nicklaus will help him get back into the winner's circle.
"Jack's been the best at winning," added McIlroy.
McIlroy has begun working with American sports psychologist Bob Rotella in an attempt to rediscover the winning touch.
The world number nine is still searching for a second professional victory to add to his Dubai Desert Classic triumph 13 months ago.
"One of the reasons why I wanted to go to Bob was to try to finish the job off a bit more and be a more clinical," he added.
"It was great to sit down and talk with Jack (at lunch during last week's Honda Classic) 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 (Tom Watson beat him) - 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.
"Just learn to wait and learn to bide your time and know that if you believe in yourself it will happen.
"He had a lot more majors handed to him than he went out and won."
McIlroy will partner the player he calls "the second biggest draw in golf" in the opening two rounds in Miami.
The 20-year-old tees up with defending champion Phil Mickelson on Thursday and Friday.
McIlroy last played with Mickelson in Shanghai in November and commented: "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."