Europe's Ryder Cup captain Jose Maria Olazabal has expressed his belief that Rory McIlroy is as good as Tiger Woods was in his prime.
Olazabal referred to a three-year spell between 1999 and 2002 when it is widely regarded that Woods was at his best.
During that time he won seven majors, including holding all four majors at the same time, completing what was later dubbed as the 'Tiger Slam', but Olzabal believes that McIlroy's current form puts him on par with arguably the greatest golfer's greatest period.
"Obviously we have the world number one, he's playing great," Olazabal said. "Even though he didn't win the FedEx Cup (despite winning two of the four playoff events), the way he's played the last few months, he's been outstanding.
"I would say that he is at this moment very close to how good Tiger was at that stretch of time between 1999 and 2002, the way he's playing. He's full of confidence.
"He's got the whole game and in that regard it's great to have players like that on your team."
The Ryder Cup begins on Friday at the Medinah Country Club as Europe look to defend the crown they won in 2010.
Barney Corkhill
