Tiger Woods backs Rory McIlroy to ‘definitely’ win The Masters during his career

Tiger Woods believes Rory McIlroy will “definitely” win the Masters during his career to complete the grand slam.

While a relaxed McIlroy said he felt he had all the ingredients necessary to triumph at Augusta National and has recovered from previous failures, Woods was unequivocal.

“It’s just a matter of time,” the five-time Masters winner said. “Rory has the talent. He has the game. He has all the tools to win here.

“A lot of things have to happen to win at this golf course. A lot of things have to go right. I think Rory has shown over the years he’s learnt how to play this golf course and you just have to understand how to play it.

“He’s been there. Last year he made a great run, put himself there. But whether it’s this year or next or whenever it comes, he will get it done and he will have a career grand slam. It will definitely happen.”

Since winning the Open Championship in 2014, McIlroy has had eight attempts to win a green jacket and join Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Woods in having won all four major titles.

His best finish of second came last year thanks to a stunning closing 64 that included an eagle and six birdies, the last coming from a greenside bunker on the 18th and prompting an exuberant celebration.

And while he concedes he started too far behind eventual winner Scottie Scheffler to be truly in contention, McIlroy feels that round proved he has what it takes to claim a fifth major title at Augusta National and a first since the 2014 US PGA.

McIlroy, who famously held a four-shot lead after 54 holes in 2011 only to collapse to a closing 80, said: “I think you have to go through everything.

“Not every experience is going to be a good experience. I think that would lead to a