McIlroy must be given time says Nicklaus

American Nicklaus, whose 18 majors make him golf’s most successful player, sees Northern Irishman McIlroy staying at the top of the sport for years to come.

McIlroy led the Masters in April before a closing round of 80 scuppered his chances, however he showed at the US Open last month that it had not affected him and won by eight shots to land his first major.

“I think Rory will add a lot of majors,” Nicklaus said. “Rory is a very talented young man who’s been a factor in every one of the majors over the last year.

“He could have won the Masters and the US Open, he could have won the British Open last year. He’s a talented young man we’re going to see on the scene for a long time.”

However Nicklaus added a note of caution.

“Don’t anoint him as the crown prince yet,” Nicklaus said. “He has won one major. When he wins two, three or four, then you can say he’s the guy to watch.”