Arnold Palmer predicts Masters joy for Rory McIlroy
With just five weeks remaining to the season’s first Major the focus continues to turn towards McIlroy as he seeks to become a sixth player to have won the coveted Grand Slam.
A very frail looking Palmer was present at Trump International Doral yesterday as guest of Donald Trump to official open a luxury villa named in honour of ‘The King’.
It is one of 10 villas named after some of the greats of the game and in his speech Trump singled McIlroy in the plan that one day further villas will be built and named after a newer generation of great golfers.
Palmer and Trump cut the ceremonial ribbon and with the now 85-year-old Palmer full of expectation for McIlroy ahead of the World No. 1 teeing up in today’s starting WGC — Cadillac Championship and first big showdown of the new season.
“Rory’s really played well and what he’s accomplished in his career at age only 25 is truly amazing,” said Palmer.
“He’s a nice young man and a godsend to the game of golf.
“Of course, you know what I think about Augusta and having Rory and all these good young players in the game now being present this year at the Masters is something I am really looking forward to.
“But then I can’t seen any reason why Rory can’t win the Masters this year and if he doesn’t win this year then there’s no doubt in my mind at all the day will come when he will be hosting the Champions Dinner.”
McIlroy is returning to competition in this week’s event having missed the cut in last week’s Honda Classic but buoyed by capturing Monday’s Pro-Member event at Seminole Golf Club in Juno Beach.
Back to competition also meant back to tackling questions on the Masters but then McIlroy is taking it all in his stride.
“I don’t feel any more anticipation this year going to Augusta than I did last year,” he said.
“I’m really focused on the next couple of weeks that I’m playing and I will try and play well here and at Bay Hill, and then after that, all I’ll be working on is getting ready for Augusta.”
McIlroy’s Masters preparations will include taking his father and two unnamed friends to Augusta for two days of practice in the fortnight he will have off after competing next fortnight at Bay Hill.
And Zimbabwean great Nick Price, who went to the 1995 Masters having won the closing two Majors of 1994 and also as World No. 1, is another predicting McIlroy success among the ‘Cathedral in the Pines’.
Since the World Rankings commenced at the 1986 Masters it has only been Price and Tiger Woods, and on two occasions in 2001 and 2006, who have driven down Magnolia Lane as World No. 1 looking to also win the Masters.
“Rory going to Augusta this years is a totally different kettle of fish compared to when I went there in ’95,” said Price.
“He hits the ball perfectly for Augusta and he’s on a mission to be honest. I love watching him play because he’s got that bounce in his stride and he always looks upbeat.
“So he’s going to be a huge factor at Augusta this year and he can handle the pressure. He’s won three Majors already and that golf course is right up his alley. In fact, I haven’t seen a golf course that’s been built that isn’t up his alley.
“And Rory at present reminds me so much like Tiger in 2000 as he drives the ball as far as anyone I’ve seen. He’s a wonderful player.”
Joining McIlroy is fellow Irish Graeme McDowell and Shane Lowry, who secured a start in the Arnold Palmer Invitational by virtue of his top-50 world ranking.
Round one Irish tee times: Graeme McDowell – 4.11pm Irish time; Rory McIlroy – 4.55pm Irish time; Shane Lowry – 5.28pm Irish time.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
