Honorary starters Player, Nicklaus and Watson back McIlroy to win the 89th Masters

Jack Nicklaus sat down with Rory McIlroy last week and went through the course with him and his plan to take on Masters which has eluded him thus far.

RORY'S TIME: Golfing greats Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson believe this is Rory McIlroy's year to claim the Masters title. Pic: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

Three old champions with 11 green jackets between them started off the 89th Masters with the traditional honorary tee shots. Then they all endorsed the man they expect to join them at next year’s Champions Dinner – Rory McIlroy.

“I think Rory McIlroy will win the Masters this year, and I hope he does because it would give golf a great boost to have another winner of the Grand Slam,” said Gary Player, who along with fellow Honorary Starter Jack Nicklaus are among the six career slam winners. “He has the best swing in golf without a question. He’s the fittest golfer. He does a dead lift of 400 pounds. I don’t know if you’re aware of what a dead lift is. 400 pounds! If you do 100 pounds, it’s exceptional.”