Norman can envisage McIlroy completing Grand Slam with Masters win

Four-time major champion Rory McIlroy

Greg Norman can envisage Rory McIlroy emerging from an increasing well of talent to complete a career Grand Slam at the Masters less than a year after being left baffled by the four-time major champion's "interesting" comments on golf at the Olympics.

McIlroy has already achieved a huge amount in his career at the age of 27, but a prestigious title at Augusta has so far eluded him.

The world number two has not won a tournament this year, but can boast four top-seven finishes following a strong end to 2016 which saw claim a hugely lucrative FedEx Cup triumph when he took the Tour Championship title.

McIlroy will tee off on Thursday as one of the leading contenders to don the green jacket this weekend and legendary Australian Norman said the Northern Irishman's time may have come to become only the six player to claim all four majors.

Norman also hinted that he was not too impressed with McIlroy stating that he would not watch golf at the Rio Olympics last August, as he would sooner see "stuff that matters" following his withdrawal from the Games.

The man nicknamed the Great White Shark told Omnisport: "It was interesting to see his comments that golf doesn't interest him, that was very interesting to read.

"But Rory is one of the top players in the world and has every chance of getting that career Grand Slam, no doubt.

"The well of talent in world golf gets deeper and deeper, there is so much talent and strength in the game now. 

"Rory is a very different animal to Dustin Johnson, they are different athletes with their build and the type of athletes they are, but they are both incredible talents.

"I like Rory, he is a natural and is a magnificent player."

McIlroy is to marry fiancee Erica Stoll later this year and two-time Open champion Norman thinks that can only be a good thing as he goes in search of more honours.

Norman added: "Stability is very important, that will be a big thing for him and marriage will definitely improve him, it can only enhance his chances of more success."

McIlroy starts his first round at 1.41pm local time at Augusta on Thursday in a group which also includes rising star Jon Rahm and Hideto Tanihara.

 

- For more information about Greg Norman and the Greg Norman Company please visit www.shark.com.