"This place is made for him” - Butch Harmon backs Rory McIlroy to shine at Masters while Tiger Woods surprises fans  

Butch Harmon has backed Rory McIlroy to impress at the 2023 Masters. The former pro golfer-turned-instructor has now come out to state that the Irishman will remain the favorite for the event throughout this weekend. Harmon’s comments praising McIlroy come as the ace golfer aims to complete the career Grand Slam with a win this weekend.

McIlroy has completed seven top-10 finishes in his previous 14 Masters appearances. The Irish golfer’s runner-up finish last year was lauded by pros and fans across the world as one of the finest rounds played in the event. Now, as the four-time major champion aims to take his long-awaited fifth major victory, Harmon has exuded some confidence in his form.

Stating that the Augusta National was ‘made for McIlroy,’ Butch Harmon said, as quoted by Sky Sports:

"I love the way Rory is playing, the way he is swinging. This place (Augusta) is made for him. He is a beautiful driver of a golf ball and seems to be putting better after switching models… I also think he has grown up a lot as a person and he has really matured as a golfer. If he gets an opportunity to win this time, I think he is ready to win.”

He added:

"Rory is the guy to beat, for me. I think it is his time and he will be a great champion. I think he is used to the pressure now, whereas I'm not sure he handled it in the past. He might tell you he did, but if he is being honest, I think he can handle it better now."

It is pertinent to note that Rory McIlroy has been dubbed the pre-tournament favorite by many experts across the world. On most 'Masters odds' lists, the Irishman is only trailing defending champion Scottie Scheffler.

---

Harmon on Tiger Woods’ chances at The Masters

While McIlroy looks to complete his career Grand Slam, Tiger Woods will be looking for a decent finish this weekend. Returning to Augusta after a break from pro golfing, the five-time Masters champion will be eyeing a strong comeback. Butch Harmon also addressed the 47-year-old’s form ahead of the weekend.

Speaking to Sky Sports about his former student, Harmon said that he can impress in just his second start since last summer:

"Tiger is swinging the club beautifully. It's just whether he can handle the walk. Can his body handle 72 holes on these hills and all the things he has to deal with? He is hitting the ball long and has a lot of speed back but the walking is the tough part. I know he is in a lot of pain, you can see a bit of a limp. The fact he is even playing is amazing.”

Dubbing Tiger to be a ‘surprise’ at the event, Harmon added:

"He wouldn't be playing if he didn't think he could win the thing, so I think Tiger is going to surprise a lot of people.”

As the 2023 Masters tees off on Thursday, April 6, it’ll be interesting to see how accurate Harmon’s predictions are. Much like the pro instructor, fans of both McIlroy and Woods will be expecting great showings from the two ace golfers.