Sir Nick Faldo says Rory McIlory has a ‘major issue’ and it makes him cringe watching

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Sir Nick Faldo has suggested that there is a part of Rory McIlroy’s game which leaves him cringing, with the Northern Irishman now seeking the advice of Butch Harmon.

As has been the case since 2015, Rory McIlroy goes into the Masters looking to complete the career grand slam.

He has registered six top 10s in that time. But he has also missed two of the last three cuts at Augusta National. So it really feels like anything could happen with the 34-year-old over the coming days.

McIlroy has not been in the best form leading into this year’s tournament. And with that, he has sought advice from legendary coach Butch Harmon.

Of course, someone who knows extremely well what it takes to win around Augusta is Sir Nick Faldo. The 66-year-old put the green jacket on three times during his career.

Sir Nick Faldo shares the major issue with Rory McIlroy’s game

And speaking to The Telegraph, the Englishman shared what McIlroy really needs to work on if he is going to write his name in Masters history this week.

“Rory’s short irons are his major issue. He’s one of the greatest drivers of the ball, and then he stands up with a wedge and we all cringe. If Butch Harmon can help him with that, then that’s probably all he needs to do,” he said.  

“The problem is that time has gone by,” he added. “It has been nearly 10 years since his last major. It is the trust factor, self-belief, whatever you want to call it. He has asked himself, ‘Can I re-set, forget the past and who I am?’ But it’s not that easy.”

Four-time major champion far from being the favourite this week

McIlroy is certainly not the favourite this week. Scottie Scheffler looks to be on another level to almost anyone else in the world right now. So if it clicks for him, the field is going to need something special to compete.

But McIlroy is one of those who can keep up with Scheffler if he is at his very best.

He has definitely shown glimpses at Augusta down the years. But unfortunately, some of his best rounds have come when he has too much to do.

McIlroy has tried everything in major championships over the last decade. He has led, he has been well back and he has been in contention. Somehow however, he has not been able to get across the line.

But that will not stop many of us hoping to see McIlroy get the job done this week.