Gary Player’s 2009 prediction on Rory McIlroy comes true after he made controversial Tiger Woods comparison

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After finishing 2008 35th in the world, Rory McIlroy booked his first appearance in the following season’s Masters Tournament at Augusta National.

The Northern Irishman went on to make the cut in Georgia and finish in a tie for 20th place and two under for the tournament.

McIlroy’s maiden Masters performance didn’t go unnoticed. Gary Player, who was making his final outing at Augusta, was particularly impressed by what the European prodigy managed to produce.

“Rory McIlroy, if he goes about it and is managed correctly, could turn out to be the best player in the world in his time,” Player told BBC Radio Five Live’s Sportsweek programme in April 2009.

Gary Player’s 2009 Rory McIlroy prediction comes true

Clearly, McIlroy listened to Player’s praise. Not only did the Northern Irishman hit the gym, but he’s been the world’s number-one player on multiple occasions.

McIlroy first reached the top spot in March 2012 and was most recently world number one in October 2022, which was the ninth time he was officially the best golfer on the planet.

When at his absolute peak performance, very few can compete with McIlroy, and it’s clear Player saw from early on that the Northern Irishman was destined for greatness.

The current world number three is just one green jacket away from solidifying his status as one of the all-time greats. After McIlroy’s capitulation at the 2011 Masters, the first major tournament of the year has always been a top priority for the European Ryder Cup star.

• READ MORE: The three words Tiger Woods said to Phil Mickelson after outdriving him with a three wood during the 2001 Masters

Gary Player’s controversial Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy comparison

Interestingly, during the same interview, Player also claimed that McIlroy’s swing was actually better than Tiger Woods‘. It’s important to remember Woods was still performing at an extremely high level in 2009.

Player said “This young man is brilliant. His golf swing is unbelievable and his theory side, his swing, is better than Tiger Woods’. But will he have the body of Tiger Woods? Will this young man go to the gym at six o’clock in the morning? I don’t know. Will he have the intensity and all the other things that Tiger has? I don’t know.”

Woods’ swing was still respected in golfing circles, even though the technique of the 15-time major winner was not as fluid as it had been in the early 2000s; Woods split with Butch Harmon was largely to thank. So, Player claiming that an up-and-coming European youngster has a better swing than Tiger would be seen as somewhat controversial.

Since 2009, however, McIlroy’s technique has become the blueprint for coaches and fellow professionals, and there’s no doubt the Northern Irishman’s swing will be revered long after his playing days are over. Perhaps, Player knew exactly what he was talking about at Augusta National 15 years ago.