Nick Faldo snubbed Rory McIlroy when naming the greatest European golfer of all-time

Nick Faldo explained why Rory McIlroy isn't quite the greatest European golfer of all time despite his 2025 Masters win earlier this year.

At Augusta in May, McIlroy became just the sixth player to claim a Grand Slam alongside Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan and Gary Player when he finally got his hands on the coveted green jacket.

The triumph, following a sudden death play-off against Justin Rose, came 3,898 days on from his last major in 2014.

McIlroy is the only European member of the exclusive Grand Slam club, with his Masters victory his fifth major - the same as the late Seve Ballesteros and one behind Faldo's tally.

However, Faldo believes that McIlroy is ranked No.2 in the greatest European golfer debate - ahead of himself but just below Ballesteros.

"It is always debated on the numbers but I would put him past me," Faldo admitted.

"Whether he has won the battle against Seve? Seve won a lot of tournaments - about 50 in Europe and five majors.

"So I think Seve paved the way for so many different things so I would put him a smidgen behind Seve right now."

Rory McIlroy is the only European golfer to have won a Grand Slam. Image: Getty

As well as his 50 European triumphs and five majors, Ballesteros won 90 international tournaments and played a key role in five Ryder Cup triumphs for Europe before passing away from brain cancer aged 54.

McIlroy has 29 PGA tour titles to his name after going all the way in the Masters and Faldo predicts even more success for the Northern Irishman in the future.

Faldo added: "I think what Rory has done is incredible and he will probably do even more. He has the opportunity. His uniqueness is to go 11 years between Majors. And if he carries on doing more, he will be the only one ever to do that. That will be a phenomenal achievement, wouldn't it?

"Having another Major winning career would be absolutely incredible. He has the opportunity which would put him into a different category."

Faldo poses with a young McIlroy in 2006. Image: Getty

McIlroy is vying to win the Open for a second time 11 years on from his first victory and is currently tied fifth on the leaderboard heading into the fourth and final round in Portrush, County Antrim, Northern Ireland.