Golfing legend, Paul McGinley, has declared that Rory McIlroy must climb past the 'metal challenge' that has prevented him from winning the Masters so far in his career.

It seems that Augusta is set to be McIlroy's most important tournament so far this year, with the Irishman believing that the competition is getting more and more harder to win as the years go on.

Back in 2011, McIlroy became the youngest-ever player to lead after 18 holes, after he darted into a four-shot to take into the final round, before the Irishman saw potential victory slip from his grasp.

And former Ryder Cup captain McGinley was quoted in The Mirror, stating that this year has to be McIlroy's year.

"It's a very important Masters for Rory. It's now the most important Major for him because he wants to complete the Grand Slam and join those five people in history," McGinley said.

"It would be an incredible achievement, not just for Rory but for European golf as well, because none of the previous five is European.

"There is a reason only five players have done it. It's a big mental challenge and, if Rory wants to join these greats, he has got to deal with it. That's how you become one of the greats of the game.

"Nobody from Europe has ever done it so it's a chance to make history, and it would set down a marker if he achieves a Grand Slam still in his 20's".

If McIlroy was to win the Masters, then he would join the likes of Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods - who have won all four Majors.

McIlroy's chances this year

A rib injury has hampered McIlroy's progression so far this year, as he has only played ten competitive rounds since the turn of the year. This could be a slight issue for the Irishman when he heads into the first Major of the season.

But McGinley firmly believes that anything is possible for McIlroy in Augusta: "He's always been able to react to other people's success in a very positive way. It lights his fire. He enjoys the challenge of going up against them. It couldn't be any better."

The Masters kicks off this Thursday, with McIlroy eager to finally win the title that has been eluding him so far in his very successful career.