Sir Nick Faldo conceded that Rory McIlroy is undoubtedly among the greatest golfers ever but stopped short of crowning the Northern Irishman as number one. The 36-year-old has already enjoyed a career most dream of and furthered his legacy in the sport on Sunday when successfully defending his Masters title at Augusta.

McIlroy's one-under-par round of 71 on Sunday was enough to see off world No.1 Scottie Scheffler to not only become a six-time major champion, but also only the fourth player in history to win back-to-back Masters titles after Jack Nicklaus (1965-66), Faldo (1989-90) and Tiger Woods (2001-02).

The golfer's maiden Masters triumph last year saw him join the exclusive club of six players to achieve the career Grand Slam, as Faldo opened up on McIlroy's position among the best golfers ever following his thrilling play-off victory over Justin Rose.

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The British icon - who is a six-time major champion - placed McIlroy above himself in the pantheon of golf greats but insisted there are individuals ranked ahead of the Holywood-born superstar. The 68-year-old told The Times: "It's a whole different kettle of fish nowadays.

"He's done way more than me. He's won 29 times in America. Of the all-time greats, I'd put him fifth. Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack [Nicklaus] and Tiger [Woods]. Rory is right there."

Discussing the different eras of golf, Faldo explained his reasoning for placing McIlroy ahead of seven-time major champion Gene Sarazen. The Englishman explained: "No discredit to Gene Sarazen, but that was a completely different era.

"I've hardly seen any footage of him, but achieving the Grand Slam puts you in a different category." Faldo seemingly predicted McIlroy's capture of a second Masters title when noting last year's win may be able to "set him free" to add to his major tally.

He said at the time: "Rory is 35, he's as fit as a fiddle, and you've got to believe he's really shaken the monkey off his back. I would've thought it'll set him free and he might be the unique one to go on and win more majors."