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Belfast Live
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Gareth Fullerton

Jack Nicklaus shares Rory McIlroy concern which could cost him more majors

Jack Nicklaus won a record 18 majors during his career, so he is well qualified to offer advice on what it takes to finish top of the leaderboard.

The 83-year-old legend accepts Rory McIlroy has the talent and ability to add to his four major titles, but he also believes there is one aspect of the Holywood golfer's game that needs addressing.

His focus.

Read more: Sir Nick Faldo reignites 15-year feud with Sergio Garcia over Rory McIlroy dig

Nicklaus believes McIlroy is one of the most naturally gifted golfers there has ever been in the game, but when it comes to somewhere like Augusta you need more that just raw talent.

Speaking on Nick Faldo's new podcast, Sir Nick's Round Table Chats, Nicklaus said: "He's got the best rhythm in the game. He uses his body better than anybody else. I love his attitude.

"But I don't think Rory -- he has (trouble) keeping his focus for some reason. I don't know what it is."

Nicklaus said McIlroy can light up the fairways and greens with his fluid style of golf, but added that "sometimes, you really can't just play golf."

When asked to elaborate, Nicklaus said: "Well, I look at Augusta. Everybody knows Augusta pretty much.

"There's about six shots at Augusta that you better pay attention to your tee shot at 2, your second shot on 11, tee shot at 12, your tee shot at 13, and the second shot at 13, and the (second) shot at 15.

"Those six shots, if you've played those shots smart, play them intelligently and put them in the conservative side of the ledger, the rest of the golf course is not very hard. And so Rory, sometimes, gets caught up in just playing golf and all of a sudden: Where did that eight come from?

"And he's too good for that. He's too good of a player. And maybe he tries to keep himself too relaxed. I was never relaxed. I always wanted to be on point, every shot. I think you did, too."

McIlroy'a next opportunity to win a major will come at Augusta next month when the US Masters is held between April 6-9.

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