Johnson Wagner names who he thinks is the best golfer out of Rory McIlroy, Nick Faldo and Seve Ballesteros

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Rory McIlroy has joined an exclusive list of golfing legends after winning The Masters for the very first time in his career.

McIlroy is thinking of more major wins later this season alone, having just won the first such tournament of 2025.

He is now a five-time major champion, with his success at The Masters ensuring all four majors are now on his honours list.

Another player to have won all four majors, Tiger Woods has congratulated McIlroy on his career grand slam completion.

McIlroy did, however, need a playoff to achieve the feat, with Justin Rose the unlucky man to miss out at Augusta National.

The Masters champion Rory McIlroy ranked among Nick Faldo and Seve Ballesteros

McIlroy represents one of just two non-Americans to complete the career grand slam, joined by Gary Player.

But Johnson Wagner has now discussed him in another nationality debate, saying on The Wagyu Filet Show: “I would argue that Rory is the best European now of all time.

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“I didn’t grow up watching Seve [Ballesteros] so it is hard for me to have… Seve’s flair for the dramatic. So that one is tough for me.

“But for me, personally, I know he has one less major than [Nick] Faldo but, yes, with having the career grand slam completed I would put him ahead of Faldo.”

Rory McIlroy, Nick Faldo and Seve Ballesteros major championship wins

Alongside Player, McIlroy has joined American icon Woods, Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan and Jack Nicklaus in achieving the superb record.

Such players boast stunning major championship records, with Nicklaus sitting at the very top of the pile on 18 wins.

READ MORE: Nick Faldo responds when asked what Rory McIlroy will do next after he finally wins his first Masters title

Woods sits next in the table with 18, while their fellow American Walter Hagen is the only other man with double figures on 11.

In terms of European stars, however, McIlroy was already in the discussion for the best-ever, but he has just taken a huge stride with his success at The Masters.

It is certainly an interesting debate to have, but of course many factors are at play, such as the level of competition and the manner of the wins, along with overall ability.

More wise, however, is to simply appreciate each legendary golfer as they come, with McIlroy certain to end his career with that status bestowed upon him.