Former world number one Tiger Woods believes that Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy has the qualities to become a "great champion".
The 22-year-old will return to Augusta for the Masters this week for the first time since last year's demise, where he relinquished a four-shot lead after a disappointing performance on the back nine.
While Woods is favourite to take the green jacket this weekend following his victory in the Arnold Palmer Invitational last month, the 36-year-old believes that McIlroy is set to dominate.
"The way he plays, and I think the way he handles himself out there on the golf course, how competitive he is, he's very feisty," said Woods. "It's what you have to be out here.
"He has all of the makings of being a great champion for a long period of time. We have seen him obviously what he did last year at The Masters and how he came back at the Open. He led, what, seven out of eight rounds in major championships last year, which is pretty impressive, right in a row.
"So he just needs to get more experienced. That's just from playing. He's put himself there. Seems like every single tournament he plays in, he's in the top 10, and that's great to see."
Despite predicting success for McIlroy, the American pro is confident in his own ability ahead of the prestigious tournament this week.
Danielle Joynson
