McIlroy can cope with Masters pressure - Mickelson

Six-time major winner Phil Mickelson does not believe the pressure of Rory McIlroy's attempt to complete a career Grand Slam will be "an issue for him" at the Masters.

The 35-year-old from Northern Ireland won the US Open, The Open and two US PGA Championships between 2011 and 2014, but has never secured a victory at Augusta National.

The 2025 edition of the season's first major, which will be held between 10-13 April, will be his 17th time playing the tournament.

The world number two's best finish at the Georgia course came when he was runner-up to American Scottie Scheffler in 2022.

"That's challenging," three-time Masters champion Mickelson said of McIlroy blocking out the hype around his efforts to become just the sixth man to win all four of golf's biggest prizes.

"But he's done it so many times in his ability to win tournaments. He's been able to compartmentalize that.

"I don't think that's going to be an issue for him."

McIlroy, who has already won twice this season on the PGA Tour, led after each of the first three rounds at Augusta in 2011 but shot an 80 on Sunday to finish in a tie for 15th.

Mickelson, who won his first major after 13 years on tour and has been runner-up six times at the US Open, does not feel McIlroy's history with the tournament is preventing him from the elusive victory.

"His ability to compartmentalize all the things that have transpired in the past is a strength of his so I don't think it'll be an issue or I don't think that's what's holding him back from winning the Masters," added the 54-year-old.

Mickelson, who will play in LIV Golf's Miami event this week, also believes the course at Augusta National is suited to McIlroy's game.

"I think he drives the ball so long and straight that he has a huge advantage on that golf course.

"He and about 20 guys that drive it like he does will have an advantage of playing it a certain way."