Rory McIlroy told by PGA Tour rival: "I hope so, for your sake"

Billy Horschel says Rory McIlroy deserves to win the career grand slam. 

Horschel made the declaration about the four-time major champion ahead of this week's Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. 

McIlroy will partner his father Gerry and we are led to believe Horschel will be teaming up with PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan. 

Despite the 2025 Masters being seven months away, McIlroy's chances at the first major of the year were brought up in Horschel's news conference. 

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"I hope so, for Rory's sake," Horschel said when asked about McIlroy's prospects. 

"I know too well no one deserves anything in this game, but you look at what Rory has done in the game of golf, he deserves to win golf's grand slam.

"Of course, you could say the same about Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson, and the likes of Phil Mickelson. 

"I just feel that it would be great to see someone like Rory achieve the feat.

"I've seen Tiger achieve such a milestone but then to have someone that I know as well and as admire like Rory, [it] would be unbelievable."

Horschel said he is not worried about McIlroy getting over the line at Augusta. 

Tiger Woods made a similar statement in April. 

"Looking ahead I do believe something great is going to happen to Rory," he said. 

"The way Rory's handled this year and for not cracking … it's why I feel next year could be a really incredible year for Rory."

Horschel got the better of McIlroy two weeks ago. 

The American defeated the 35-year-old in an electric playoff at Wentworth to claim the DP World Tour's flagship event for the second time in his career.

Horschel drained a huge eagle putt to inflict McIlroy's latest near miss.

He was almost reluctant to celebrate.

Horschel said he felt sorry for the Ulsterman after watching him come up excruciatingly short at the U.S. Open and Irish Open.

"I made the putt and I was excited but at the same time, I felt for Rory," he said.  

"I've known him since 2007 and I think the world of him. I think he's the best player in our generation.

"I know he's had somewhat of a tough year of not getting some victories when it looks like it's going to be his. 

"He does such a good job of cancelling out the noise and some of the critics.

"I just feel for him because this is just another one that adds to that narrative going forward. 

"He was great. He was happy for me. It was just two really good friends trying to battle it out at the end."

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