Rory McIlroy pulls out of Masters par-3 contest

World number three Rory McIlroy (Getty Images) Rory McIlroy will not take part in the annual par-3 contest at Augusta National next week as he focuses on completing a career Grand Slam with a victory at the Masters.

The world No. 3 is looking to win the only major that has eluded him so far in his career, his best finish coming 12 months ago when he placed fourth.

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McIlroy, 26, has enjoyed an encouraging start to the year with four top-10 finishes in the seven tournaments, including a fourth-place finish at last weekend's WGC-Dell Match Play.

And to maintain his form McIlroy has opted not to take part in the traditional…