Rory McIlroy clearly has the talent to win a Masters title and complete the career Grand Slam, but he hasn’t conquered the mental demons that have haunted him at Augusta National Golf Club. That could change in 2025 thanks to his new “secret weapon.”

During his pre-tournament news conference Tuesday, McIlroy told reporters he’s reading The Reckoning by John Grisham. The novel follows Pete Banning, a war hero who returns to America and must overcome the horrors he’s seen while navigating a murder trial.

McIlroy failing to win a green jacket isn’t exactly on the same level as PTSD and murder, but he can relate to many of the themes in The Reckoning. The novel explores overcoming trauma, mental resistance and learning from the past to succeed in the present — all themes McIlroy deals with at Augusta National. 

“It’s got off to a pretty good start,” McIlroy said.