US legend Jack Nicklaus has backed Northern Irish golf ace Rory McIlroy to beat his record of 18 Major wins.
Nicklaus, who last won one of golf's big four events at the 1986 masters, said that McIlroy can beat his record and is on par to do that, adding that he would be very surprised if the Northern Irish ace dose not do so.
McIlroy, who was born three years after Nicklaus last won the 1986 Masters, secured his third Major last week, claiming The Open at Hoylake. The Northern Ireland superstar now just needs the Masters to complete a career Grand Slam, The Mirror reported.
American legend Nicklaus is widely considered the greatest ever golfer, after winning his final Major at Augusta in 1986.
US star Tiger Woods has 14 Majors, but has not won one since 2008 and Nicklaus now sees McIlroy as his biggest challenger.
Nicklaus said that a lot of guys have some success and financial success and decide they want a normal life, and added that there are other athletes that decide records are important and it is important to leave a legacy.
The American legend also said that whichever direction McIlroy heads he would be successful at whatever he does, adding that the Northern Irishman is very talented and he is the one who has to decide how hard he wants to work but he certainly has the ability to do so.