Rory McIlroy will have the epithet of favorite at this year's Masters, but knowing the pressure this Majors carries for him, some are not optimistic that the Northern Irishman is ready for such a step.
Brandel Chamblee, a well-known name in the world of golf, commented on Rory's chances at the Masters, saying that Augusta National is his biggest enemy.
Rory's results in the first round, Chamblee highlights, never inspired optimism.
However, this well-known commentator is delighted with McIlroy's form this year, believing that he could have a better chance of success at Augusta National this year.
"I will say, him switching to a softer ball I think really does give us a greater hope for his success there," he said as quoted by Golf Digest.
"Because its forcing him to get on top of it, its forcing him to cover it. Paul McGinley has been talking about this a lot, he talked about it at the Players. Off camera, after our interview with Rory, he talked about it with the three of us."
Brandel Chamblee on Rory's performances
The famous commentator spoke to Curt Byrum, who was blown away by Rory McIlroy's game. However, can the 35-year-old be just as impressive at Augusta National? Chamblee believes that the golf world has the right to be excited about Rory's new challenge, given that he hasn't had such a furious start in a long time.
Some also point out that McIlroy's mindset is significantly different than it used to be, but an experienced golfer will have to confirm that on golf courses.
"I talked to Curt Byrum, who followed his group at the Houston Open, and he said hes on top of it, flighting down these wedge shots. That is the shot he needs at Augusta National. Youve got to be able to sort of hold it off, trap it down, hit some cuts off hook lies and not hit that long left shot that has plagued him. Or the flare out to the right. So theres reason for the golf world to be excited about the possibility, and again, from a competitive standpoint, hes never gone into the Masters playing better or sharper."- he said.
Brandel believes that this is the best momentum Rory has found himself in before the Masters, and it seems that many are now giving him the best chance to make a breakthrough and finally complete his career Grand Slam.
"There has never been a better week for him to win the Masters, never," Chamble said.
