Gary Player’s 2018 prediction on Rory McIlroy seems to finally be coming true ahead of another shot at The Masters

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It’s been quite the decade and a bit for Rory McIlroy since he won his last major championship and ahead of next month’s Masters tournament, a prediction from Gary Player seems to finally be happening.

McIlroy has had blow after blow at Augusta over the years ever since his meltdown in 2011 saw him squander a four shot lead.

Since then, McIlroy has gone close a couple of times, notable in 2022, when he finished second to Scottie Scheffler.

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Of course, one man who knows a thing or two about winning at Augusta is Gary Player. The South African won three green jackets to cement his legacy and he’s had plenty to say over the years on the current crop of top golfers.

And when it comes to Rory McIlroy, it looks like Player’s prediction about the Northern Irishman could finally help Rory win that elusive Masters title.

Gary Player’s Rory McIlroy prediction coming to light in 2025

Player has made plenty of comments over the years on the best in golf and he’s never shy of an opinion or two.

Indeed, when it comes to Rory McIlroy, Player predicted back in 2018 that should McIlroy putt well, then he’s pretty much going to be an unstoppable force.

“I do believe there’s still the best to come from Rory. This is nonsense about him never coming back to where he was,” Player said back in 2018 ahead of The Open.

‘If he putts well, I would favour him. He’s a young man. An unbelievable talent. Maybe [he has] even more talent than Tiger Woods had at the start of their careers.

“Will he do what Tiger Woods has done? I doubt that, but there is a lot to come in the future. I’m very confident of his game.”

Player’s prediction on McIlroy fits well with what Hank Haney has said about McIlroy this week.

Tiger Woods’ former coach has pointed out the putting element of McIlroy’s game and suggested, like Player did, he could be unbeatable if he keeps putting well.

Rory McIlroy was incredibly impressive,” Haney admitted. “Played some great little three quarter shots, I thought that was the most impressive thing I have seen.

“Rory McIlroy can pound the ball, he drives it great, sometimes he putts well. He has putted better the last few years which to go on later in your career and have your putting improve is very, very impressive.”

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Rory McIlroy’s putting in 2018 v 2025

Every golfer in the world needs to make big putts to win golf tournaments and it is no different for Rory McIlroy.

Avid golf fans know how good McIlroy is off the tee, from the fairways, and even in terms of short-game.

But it is his putting that can slip by when it matters, and McIlroy has to find his way with the putter.