Paul McGinley: 'Rory McIlroy can intimidate opponents at the Masters'

Rory McIlroy during the final round of the US PGA on August 10, 2014
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Paul McGinley believes that Rory McIlroy can use 'intimidation' tactics to win his first Masters title this week.

Former Europe Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley has expressed his belief that Rory McIlroy can intimidate his opponents at the Masters this week.

The Irishman is bidding to claim his fifth major title at Augusta National, which hosts the tournament that the 25-year-old is yet to win.

The current world number one is favourite to take the crown in Georgia, and while McGinley does not believe that he has the same aura that Tiger Woods had when he was dominating the sport, the 48-year-old is convinced that McIlroy is not far away.

"Yeah, I think he's got a bit of it," the London Evening Standard quotes McGinley as saying. "Not as much as Tiger had, but again he's evolving towards that. When he's driving the ball like Rory can, he's very intimidating.

"He knows he has the ability, when he finds that extra gear, he knows nobody else can match him when he gets that gear."

McIlroy finished tied eighth at the Masters last year.

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland poses with the Race To Dubai trophy after winnng The Race To Dubai at the DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates on November 23, 2014
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