Rory McIlroy is 'too talented and too good' not to achieve a career Grand Slam, claims Tiger Woods, as five-time Green Jacket winner backs his close friend to finally triumph at Augusta this week

Tiger Woods has branded Rory McIlroy 'too good' not to achieve a career Grand Slam, as the Northern Irishman looks to capture an elusive first Masters title this week.

McIlroy, 34, has four Major tournament wins but none at Augusta, where he came closest in 2022 with a runner-up finish. He also suffered an infamous final-day collapse in 2011 after entering the day with the lead.

Nonetheless, Woods thinks it's a matter of time before his close friend dons the famous Green Jacket.

'No question he'll do it at some point,' Woods told reporters Tuesday, when asked about McIlroy achieving a career Grand Slam. 'Rory's too talented, too good, and he's gonna be playing this event for a very long time. He'll get it done. It's just a matter of when.

'But yes, I think Rory will be a great Masters champion one day. It could be this week, you never know. I just think the talent he has, the way he plays the game and the way the golf course fits his eye, it's just a matter of time.'

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy will look to impress later this week at The Masters

McIlroy is seen hitting a tee shot on the 17th hole during the Valero Texas Open last week

McIlroy, the world No. 2, has two PGA Championships, one US Open win and one British Open win.

However, he hasn't won a major tournament since 2014.

Woods, meanwhile, has a staggering 15 major tournament wins, with his last being his stunning Masters win in 2019.

Before that, he hadn't won a Major since 2008. 

Woods, seen practicing on Tuesday, is looking to make his 24th consecutive cut at The Masters

It will only be Woods' eighth tournament since he was involved in a car crash in February 2021

The 48-year-old has hardly played since undergoing surgery on his ankle in April of last year. 

This season, he withdrew in the second round of the Genesis Invitational with flu symptoms.

Additionally, this will only be his eighth tournament since he was involved in a car crash in February 2021.

Nonetheless, he's looking to make his 24th consecutive cut at this year's Masters - which would give him the all-time record over Fred Couples and Gary Player.