The Masters: Butch Harmon thinks Rory McIlroy may eventually complete the career Grand Slam with a victory at The Masters, living up to his reputation as the pre-tournament favourite.
Tiger Woods, a five-time winner of the Masters, predicted before the competition that Rory McIlroy will win there in “only a matter of time.” McIlroy has finished in the top 10 in five of his previous 14 outings at The Masters.
Harmon believes that McIlroy, 33, will handle the pressure and finally win a fifth major championship after finishing as runner-up in last year’s competition. Since then, McIlroy has won four times worldwide.
Harmon told Sky Sports, “I love the way Rory is playing and hitting. He was made for this place. He is a gorgeous driver of the golf ball, and it appears that changing models has improved his putting.
“I also believe that he has evolved considerably as a person and as a golfer. I believe he is prepared to succeed if he is given the chance to win this time.
“Rory is the one to beat, in my opinion. He will make a terrific champion, in my opinion. While I’m not sure how he handled pressure in the past, I believe he is accustomed to it now.
“He might claim he did, but if he’s being completely sincere, I believe he is capable of handling it now.
Can Tiger contend at The Masters?
After playing alongside Woods in a practice round on Monday, McIlroy opined that the 15-time major champion’s mobility concerns were the only thing keeping him from being a real contender, but Harmon thinks the 47-year-old can perform admirably in just his second start since last summer.
“Tiger is making a terrific club swing,” Harmon continued. “That just depends on how well he handles the walk. Will his physique withstand playing 72 holes on these hills and dealing with everything else?
“He has great speed back and hits the ball far, but the walking is difficult. I can tell he’s in a lot of discomforts because of his little limp. It’s incredible he’s even playing.
“Tiger is going to surprise a lot of people,” says the golfer. “He wouldn’t be playing if he didn’t think he could win the event.”
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