Rory McIlroy has been backed to finally win his first Masters title at Augusta National this week by renowned coach Butch Harmon, despite the distraction of the ongoing feud between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf.
McIlroy has played a huge role in golf's so-called civil war, emerging as a talisman for the PGA Tour having been one of LIV's biggest critics. The Northern Irishman has been a prominent figure both on and off the course over the past 12 months, especially alongside the great Tiger Woods.
Whilst the four-time major champion remains a fan favourite amongst the galleries, many have questioned his heavy involvement in the ongoing saga.
McIlroy himself even admitted his ongoing work away from competing had taken its toll on his on-course performance, after missing his first cut in seven months at the recent Players Championship. Despite this, his form still bodes well heading into this week's Masters, having recorded 10 top-10 finishes in his last 13 starts, including three wins.
The one title that still alludes the Northern Irishman though is the Masters and the famous green jacket, with the career Grand Slam up for grabs for McIlroy every time he heads back to Augusta National. One man who believes the wait might finally be over in just a few days' time is Sky Sports Golf expert Harmon.
Discussing the FedEx Cup champion's chances in Georgia this week, the former coach to Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson told Mirror Sport: " I will tell you right now, I pick Rory to win at Augusta next week. You look at Rory, [Scottie] Scheffler and [Jon] Rahm as the three best players, and I think it is Rory’s time. I love the way Rory is playing golf."
Harmon also went on to commend McIlroy for his new off-course role, outlining the Northern Irishman as a role model to his fellow players on the PGA Tour players despite still only being 33. " Rory has taken a different stance on the PGA Tour, he is one of the leaders of the way they do things," he added.
"I think Rory and Tiger are the guys everybody looks to. So even though he is not old, he has become an elder statesman on the tour and I think he relishes that. His golf game really suits Augusta anyway, and I think he is ready to win."
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There aren't many people who know the game and mindset of golf's elite better than Harmon, having worked alongside the sport's very best throughout his distinguished coaching career. And the veteran was quick to play down the idea that McIlroy's ventures within the politics of the sport have had a negative impact on his golf game.
When asked if the four-time major champion's work off the course was hampering his efforts on it, Harmon responded: "I don’t think so at all. I think he is involved in it because he wants to be. If he felt like it would hinder his game, I don’t think he would agree to be the spokesman that he is."
As a result, Harmon believes McIlroy's involvement is down to the world No. 2's genuine love for the game of golf. "I think he is a great professional," he added. "He loves the game of golf, and he is trying to do everything he can to make it better for the players."
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