McDowell tips McIlroy for Masters glory
Graeme McDowell and Rory McIlroy celebrate after winning the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor. Picture Manus O’Reilly/www.golffile.ieRory McIlroy is Graeme McDowell’s top tip to win the Masters.
GMac reckons his Holywood pal, 21, has the perfect long game to challenge at Augusta.
But he also believes that McIlroy has the short skills game to conquer the beast and only needs to hit form on the greens to become the second youngest Masters winner after Tiger Woods.
Convinced that McIlroy will win a green jacket sooner or later, McDowell said: “I honestly do believe that Rory is ready for a big week at Augusta. I think his game is tailor made for the course.
“He drives the ball unbelievable, which is key for Augusta. And despite the fact that he says he doesn’t work on his short game or doesn’t need one, he’s got one anyway.
“If he can get hot with the putter, I think he’ll have a great week.”
McIlroy missed the cut last year but showed on his 2009 debut that he can conquer the course when he blitzed the back nine in just 31 strokes.
Dismissing McIlroy’s short game critics, McDowell said: “The thing about Rory is he has a great short game and great set of hands around the greens. I wish I had his ability.
“I absolutely expect him to have a big week next week. He says he doesn’t work on his short game but it looks pretty good to me.”
McDowell also fancies a couple of left handers in new star Bubba Watson and defending champion Phil Mickelson.
He said: “I played with Bubba Watson at Bay Hill last week and he impressed the hell out of me. He is moving the ball from right to left and drives it so good.
“Augusta suits left handers really well and if Bubba can get his putter behaving itself, he is going to have a great chance.
“Phil’s game is simmering nicely. We know he prepares so well for the major championships and he was at Augusta when I was there on Tuesday.
“He spent a lot of time on the greens with his coach Dave Pelz and you can bet he’ll be as well prepared as anyone.”