Rory McIlroy: Paul McGinley urges Ryder Cup ally to ignore ‘dangerous’ talk about Augusta being perfect for him
Northern Irishman heads into Masters look to complete his Grand Slam of Majors and has been urged to focus
RORY McILROY must ignore “dangerous” talk about Augusta being a perfect fit for his game.
The Northern Irish world No 2 is chasing a Green Jacket to complete a Grand Slam of Majors.
But one of his closest allies, ex-Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley, does not want him following the same frustrating path as Greg Norman and Ernie Els.
Both were also hailed as certain Masters champions being long, straight hitters, who boasted razor-sharp short games — just like the Northern Irishman.
But McGinley said: “I don’t think there’s a problem with Rory’s ability to win The Masters. But the suggestion his game is perfect for Augusta is very dangerous talk. Hopefully, he is not listening to any of that noise.
“They said that about Greg Norman and he never won a Masters. They said that about Ernie Els. He never won a Masters. That’s why it’s dangerous.”
McIlroy, 27, famously blew a four-shot lead heading into the final round six years ago, collapsing with an 80 — and he has yet to finish higher than fourth.
But despite his warning, McGinley still feels it is ‘when’ not ‘if’ McIlroy joins Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Gary Player, Ben Hogan, and Gene Sarazen as Grand Slam champions.
But he conceded winning the Masters is likely to become harder for McIlroy with each passing year — as the pressure to round off the Slam will keep on increasing.
He said: “That is the challenge Rory has to embrace. And he has some serious competition because Dustin Johnson, Jason Day, Jordan Spieth are unbelievably strong.
“He is not head and shoulders above them. I am backing Rory. But only by a short head.”
SKY SPORTS’ live coverage of the 2017 Masters in Augusta starts on Wednesday with expert insight and analysis from ex-Ryder Cup captain, Paul McGinley, and legendary golf coach, Butch Harmon.