‘I’m a Masters champ – Rory McIlroy is one of the greats but not best’ | Golf | Sport

Sir Nick Faldo conceded that Rory McIlroy is undoubtedly among the greatest golfers ever but stopped short of crowning the Northern Irishman as number one. The 36-year-old has already enjoyed a career most dream of and furthered his legacy in the sport on Sunday when successfully defending his Masters title at Augusta.

McIlroy’s one-under-par round of 71 on Sunday was enough to see off world No.1 Scottie Scheffler to not only become a six-time major champion, but also only the fourth player in history to win back-to-back Masters titles after Jack Nicklaus (1965-66), Faldo (1989-90) and Tiger Woods (2001-02).

The British icon – who is a six-time major champion – placed McIlroy above himself in the pantheon of golf greats but insisted there are individuals ranked ahead of the Holywood-born superstar. 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.”

Discussing the different eras of golf, Faldo explained his reasoning for placing McIlroy ahead of seven-time major champion Gene Sarazen. The Englishman explained: “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 seemingly predicted McIlroy’s capture of a second Masters title when noting last year’s win may be able to “set him free” to add to his major tally.

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.”