McIlroy can end major drought - Norman

Rory McIlroy has made a positive start to 2018 and Greg Norman thinks he can thinks he can end a four-year wait for a major title.

Greg Norman believes Rory McIlroy can reap the rewards of an extended break and end his wait for a fifth major this year.

McIlroy failed to win a title in 2017 and opted to take a prolonged spell without playing tournament golf to work on his fitness and improve his game.

He has made an encouraging start to 2018, finishing third on his comeback at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and runner-up in the Dubai Desert Classic after squandering a two-shot lead.

It is four years since the Northern Irishman last won a major and the 28-year-old last year said it is time he "stepped up" and put that right.

Two-time Open champion Norman thinks the world number eight was wise to take time out from the circuit and would not be surprised if he adds to his major haul this year.

He told Omnisport: "I think from a happiness standpoint he's in a better place; he's married, he's got a new lifestyle and I think he is going to find his right equilibrium. 

"His swing has looked pretty damn good, he seems to have been working diligently on his game and addressing his weaknesses. I'll be very interested to watch him this year, he's definitely a top-three player for sure.

"It was undoubtedly a shrewd move to take a break. He's got the ball-striking capabilities to win a major this year.

"I know his Achilles heel has been his putting, it's hard to fix that away from tournament pressure but he definitely he has the ball-striking capabilities to win another major this year."

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