A former Masters champion recognised Rory McIlroy’s standing in the sport of golf but refused to crown him as the sport’s greatest player
Rory McIlroy continues to add to his golf legacy(Image: Getty Images)
Sir Nick Faldo admitted Rory McIlroy is undoubtedly amongst the finest golfers of all time but fell short of declaring the Northern Irishman as the very best. The 36-year-old has already experienced a career most can only imagine and enhanced his standing in the sport on Sunday when retaining his Masters crown at Augusta.
McIlroy’s one-under-par round of 71 on Sunday proved sufficient to overcome world No.1 Scottie Scheffler to not only secure a sixth major championship, but also become just the fourth player in history to claim consecutive Masters titles after Jack Nicklaus (1965-66), Faldo (1989-90) and Tiger Woods (2001-02).
The golfer’s first Masters victory last year saw him enter the exclusive group of six players to complete the career Grand Slam, as Faldo discussed McIlroy’s standing amongst the sport’s elite following his dramatic play-off triumph over Justin Rose.
The British legend – who is a six-time major champion – positioned McIlroy above himself in the hierarchy of golfing greats last year but maintained there are figures ranked ahead of the Holywood-born star.
The 68-year-old told The Times: “It’s a whole different kettle of fish nowadays. He’s done way more than me. He’s won 29 times in America. Of the all-time greats, I’d put him fifth. Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack (Nicklaus) and Tiger (Woods). Rory is right there.”
READ MORE: Rory McIlroy responds to ‘unfair’ accusations after beating Scottie Scheffler to MastersREAD MORE: Rory McIlroy retains Masters title and banks over £3.3million as he wins another Green Jacket
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Reflecting on the various generations of golf, Faldo outlined his thinking behind ranking McIlroy above seven-time major winner Gene Sarazen. The Englishman said: “No discredit to Gene Sarazen, but that was a completely different era.
“I’ve hardly seen any footage of him, but achieving the Grand Slam puts you in a different category.” Faldo appeared to foresee McIlroy securing a second Masters crown when suggesting last year’s victory could “set him free” to bolster his major haul.
He said at the time: “Rory is 35, he’s as fit as a fiddle, and you’ve got to believe he’s really shaken the monkey off his back. I would’ve thought it’ll set him free and he might be the unique one to go on and win more majors.”
Speaking after his victory, McIlroy paid tribute to his wife Erica Stoll and their daughter Poppy, as he said: “This is the hard part. I want to say a few thank you’s to the people on my left. First and foremost, my wife and daughter, Erica and Poppy.
“They have to put up with me at home and, trust me, sometimes that’s a tough thing to do. But they have been my biggest supporters.
“This has definitely turned into Poppy’s favourite week of the year. I don’t know if it’s because of the Par 3 Tournament or it’s the all-you-can eat ice cream in the players’ services building.”
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