Golf legend Jack Nicklaus has thrown his support behind Rory McIlroy to finally win The Masters and complete his career grand slam.
The 85-year-old, who has won the prestigious tournament a record six times, made his comments after serving as an honorary starter at Augusta National on Thursday.
Nicklaus, alongside fellow golfing greats Gary Player and Tom Watson, hit the ceremonial opening tee shots to begin the 89th Masters.
All three veterans backed McIlroy to don the coveted green jacket come Sunday.
Rory McIlroy has been told to go and finally win The Masters by Jack Nicklaus
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“I think it’s about time that Rory won,” Nicklaus declared during the traditional post-ceremony press conference.
The 18-time major champion revealed he recently sat down with McIlroy for lunch to discuss the Northern Irishman’s approach to the challenging Augusta National course.
Nicklaus was clear about what he believes has held McIlroy back at Augusta over the years.
“The discipline to do that is what Rory has lacked, in my opinion,” the American legend stated.
He emphasised that McIlroy possesses all the necessary skills to succeed.
“He’s got all the shots. He’s got all the game. He certainly is as talented as anybody in the game.”
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The problem, according to Nicklaus, has been consistency under pressure.
“If you go back through his history in the last few years he gets to a place and all of a sudden a seven or an eight pops up and that keeps him from getting where he needs to go.”
McIlroy, now 35, is seeking to join an elite group of golfers who have achieved the career Grand Slam.
Victory at Augusta would see him stand alongside Nicklaus, Player, Ben Hogan, Gene Sarazen and Tiger Woods in having won all four major titles.
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Gary Player emphasised the significance of such an achievement.
“I hope he does, because it will give golf a great boost to have another winner of the grand slam,” the South African said.
McIlroy was among the later starters on Thursday, while defending champion Scottie Scheffler began his bid for a third title in four years at 1515 BST.
The world number two has not won a major championship in over a decade.
