BRAIN GAME

Faldo: Rory must be mentally tough

- NEIL McLEMAN

SIR NICK FALDO has urged Rory McIlroy to tell himself “I am the best player in the world” before his latest bid to win the Masters.

The three-time Green Jacket winner has claimed the Ulsterman is at “the peak of his powers” both physically and technically.

But Faldo said the world No.2’s “mental strength” and his approach to the first Major of the season - will determine if he can finally end his Augusta curse and win a Green Jacket this year.

The world No.2 enters the first Major of the season having already won twice on the PGA Tour this season.

And none of his biggest rivals at Augusta National - world No.1 Scottie Scheffler, Open champion Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa or Jon Rahm - have landed a title.

But McIlroy, 35, will again carry the twin burdens of his long Major drought and the pressure of completing his career Grand Slam to south-east Georgia.