Rory McIlroy posing topless as Michelangelo ’ s statue of David . It ’ s not an image you ’ d naturally conjure of the world No 1 , but it is a remarkably striking one . And thank goodness for the kilt ... The picture – which has been described as both “ genius ” and “ weird ” by various Twitter judges – appears on the front cover of Golf Digest ’ s latest issue . The prestigious magazine describes McIlroy as ‘ the new model for greatness ’ . The Northern Irishman is gearing up for his latest crack at winning the Masters , which tees off in on April 9 . A win on Augusta National ’ s hallowed fairways would ensure McIlroy ’ s third major in succession and a career Grand Slam . Only Gene Sarazen , Ben Hogan , Gary Player , Jack Nicklaus , and Tiger Woods hold that most prestigious honour of winning all four majors . Rory McIlroy poses as Michelangelo 's David on the front cover of Golf Digest 's latest issue . How Michelangelo 's masterpiece looks in comparison with McIlroy on the golf course . McIlroy revealed to the magazine some of the secrets behind his stunning success in 2014 , during which he won The Open and US PGA Championship and played a pivotal role in Europe ’ s Ryder Cup success at Gleneagles – usurping Woods as the sport ’ s current superstar . The 25-year-old ’ s new dedication to the gym , a focus on perfecting his craft following his break-up with Caroline Wozniacki and a deliberate steeling of a gentle soul are the key factors McIlroy offers as to his recent dominanace . ‘ After [ the break-up ] , I thought “ What else do I have in my life . I have family and friends , but they 're always going to be there . What else ? ” That 's when I decided “ You know what , I 'm just going to immerse myself in golf for a while. ” I spent more time at it , thought about it more , spent more time at the range and at the gym . Because that 's all I had , and that 's all I wanted to do , '' he told Golf Digest . The Ulsterman believes his brilliant form last year was due in part to his new fitness regime . McIlroy also reveals how he changed his mindset after breaking up with Caroline Wozniacki . ' I 've come across enough successful people now to know that the best in whatever walk of life , they 're the ones who just work the hardest . I realised that if I want to be the best and fulfill my potential , I 'm going to have to do the same thing . ' McIlroy talks about how his swing has improved thanks to his new fitness regime strengthening the “ big muscles ” in his core . His gruelling 90-minute gym sessions are taken 10 times a week under the gaze of fitness instructor Steve McGregor . The Holywood-born star also offers a fascinating insight into his psyche , revealing that he felt for a long time that being a winner was a selfish trait and an unnatural one for his character . McIlroy is preparing to return to Augusta National for another crack at the Masters . McIlroy holds both the Open and US PGA titles . `` Until just a few years ago , I do n't want to say I felt guilty for being successful because I had this ability given to me , but it was sort of like , “ Why me ? ” . `` Because I felt like it 's a very selfish thing to be a winner , a very selfish trait . Which is what you sort of need in golf . And I guess it just took me a while to be comfortable with that , just because of the personality I have . I realized that if I want to succeed in golf , which I do , I need to have it . What helped was realizing how much people like winners , how people gravitate to them . So if other people are happy for me winning , then why can I not be ? '' McIlroy insists that now “ I want to win at golf all the time ... I feel like I 've developed a bit of a ruthless streak on the golf course ” . But he admits that he tends to be “ too nice ” and will deliberately lose a game of cards or pool “ just to keep ( his opponent ) happy . '' It is 10 years since Woods won his fourth and most recent Masters , and a McIlroy victory at Augusta National would herald a new era in golf . Woods can seemingly not stay fit for long enough to compete against McIlroy , and the pair have become friends off the course – an unlikely scenario were Woods still at his ultra-competitive peak . McIlroy offers another insight into the relationship between the two greatest golfers of their generation , saying `` He wants to help ( me ) . He 's like “ ' I know you 're getting into the same sort of position as me , so anything you need to know , we 've been through it all. ” ” .
mark McIlroy has been photographed in stunning pose for magazine cover . today 's world No 1 apes Michelangelo 's David in regards to his fitness skills . McIlroy is preparing for another attempt at winning the Masters next month . The Northern Irishman attributes the truth to his brilliant recent form . He offers insight into his psyche and how he used to be ' too nice '