Sir Nick Faldo has placed Rory McIlroy fifth on his all-time greatest golfers list, claiming that the Northern Irishman is “right there” with the legends of the game. McIlroy has accomplished a feat that has eluded many golfers by completing a career Grand Slam, winning all four major titles.
His poignant victory at the Masters has led to acclaim as one of the greatest players to grace the greens. McIlroy joins a prestigious group of golfers who have achieved the Grand Slam, including icons like Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, and Gary Player.
Only six players have managed to win all four majors so far, and McIlroy became the first European to join this exclusive club in 2025.
This milestone has sparked discussions about his standing among the sport’s elite, and one golfing legend has offered his perspective on the debate.
Faldo, a six-time major winner, has contributed his thoughts regarding McIlroy’s place in the list of golf greats, suggesting that he ranks higher than many might assume.
Even though Faldo is considered one of the sport’s finest, he places McIlroy above himself and names only four others he deems superior to the Northern Irishman.
Speaking to The Times, the Englishman said: “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.”
Faldo also discussed how different “eras” of golf impact player rankings, as he admitted that American icon Gene Sarazen is one of the greats, but not quite on par with McIlroy.
He added: “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 also commended McIlroy’s determination to clinch his first Masters victory on his 11th attempt, suggesting that this breakthrough could unleash the golfer’s potential for future major wins.
The 67-year-old said: “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 [multiple] more majors.
“I did get teary because I kind of know that walk off 18 and realising what he’d done, people don’t appreciate the workload that has gone into that physically, technically, mentally.
“You spend thousands of hours and hit millions of balls to reach your goal, and a heck of a goal it was.”
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