Big guns back McIlory

Three-time Masters winner Phil Mickelson described world number two Rory McIlroy as an "incredible player" and expects the Northern Irishman to triumph at Augusta in the future.

McIlroy suffered a meltdown at the Masters in 2011 – surrendering a big lead on the final day as Charl Schwartzel stole in to claim the Green Jacket.

The 22-year-old hit back with victory at the US Open just months later and has started the 2012 season in confident mood ahead of another crack at the Masters.

Mickelson believes McIlroy has the talent to dominate the sport in the coming years.

"I think that he's an incredible player. That you could tell when he first came out. I think, like everybody here, you can see his talent and his ability. He plays without fear, which is a great way to play." said Mickelson.

"If he ends up learning this golf course I think he's going to win here a number of times."

Former world number one and 14-time major winner Tiger Woods echoed Mickelson’s sentiments, saying McIlroy has the golfing world at his feet.

Woods believes McIlroy will become an even better player with experience and admires his tenacious attitude on the golf course.

"He has all of the makings of being a great champion for a long period of time. We have seen obviously what he did last year at the Masters and how he came back at the Open. He led, what, seven out of eight rounds in major championships, which is pretty impressive," added Woods.

McIlroy will be partnered by former champion Angel Cabrera and American Bubba Watson for the first two rounds of the Masters, starting on Thursday morning. He will be keen to get the first round under his belt to show there is no hangover from last year’s nightmare; an event golf betting pundits are hoping he will achieve to see through their golf Major bets.