Exclusive – Lawrie: 'McIlroy needs something big to happen soon’

Paul Lawrie has told talkSPORT Rory McIlroy needs something big to happen for him soon – and predicts it could be at The Masters next month.

The young Irishman will be part of a strong European challenge at Augusta, along with the likes of Lee Westwood, Martin Keymer and Graeme McDowell.

And Lawrie, who ended a barren spell of nine years without a European Tour victory at the Andalucian Open in Malaga last week, is hoping Europe can come out on top against the Americans.

He told talkSPORT: “The usual suspects will be there or thereabouts. Tiger’s results have not been what he would like and, although he’s getting better, it might be too much for him.

“I think you’ll see a European up there. McDowell, Kaymer, Westwood, McIlroy – they’re all peaking at just the right time and let’s hope one of them can knock it off.

“McIlroy is still very young but has been on the scene a little while now and he needs something big to happen for him soon and hopefully that can be at the Masters.”