US Masters: Gary Player has tipped Co Down teenager Rory McIlroy to become the best player in the world. The 73-year-old, who made a record 52nd and final appearance at The Masters on Thursday, described McIlroy's swing as "unbelievable" and even better than Tiger Woods'.

“Rory McIlroy, if he goes about it and is managed correctly, could turn out to be the best player in the world in his time,” Player told BBC radio.

“This young man is brilliant. His golf swing is unbelievable and his theory side, his swing, is better than Tiger Woods’.

“But will he have the body of Tiger Woods? Will this young man go to the gym at six o’clock in the morning? I don’t know. Will he have the intensity and all the other things that Tiger has? I don’t know.

“He’s an incredible talent and has excelled already at a very young age. I believe he’s a very nice young man too and I hope he goes from strength to strength.”