TOM WATSON believes his final appearance in the Masters can be marked by Rory McIlroy completing the career grand slam which eluded him over the course of a glittering golfing career.

Watson won a total of nine major championships, including the Masters twice and five Open titles, but never won the US PGA Championship in 33 attempts.

McIlroy's first attempt to join Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods in winning all four major titles ended in disappointment with a fourth-place finish at Augusta National last year.

However, former Ryder Cup captain Watson believes the Northern Irishman is capable of "emasculating" any golf course and has the ideal game to succeed in the tough conditions predicted this week.

"He's the guy,” said Watson. “He's my pick this week.

"He's just got a tremendous talent. He hits the ball high. I think it's always been an advantage to hit the ball high on this golf course and I can tell you the golf course is different this year than it was last year.

“The greens are faster yesterday and today than they were last year. They sped them up. They seem just a little bit harder.

"On Tuesday, they had a real sheen to them. Number five was like a mirror. They are out there syringing the greens, so I think you're seeing a little bit of a different set-up this year. I think it's going to be a tougher set-up and the people who hit the ball high have an advantage.

"Rory, he can emasculate a golf course, he flat (out) can. He hits the ball high and so far."

Not being able to hit the ball too far these days is the reason Watson has decided to call time on his competitive career at the Masters, although he will continue to play in the par-three contest and on the Champions Tour.

"I made the decision last year to announce at the Open Championship that this was going to be my last Masters," added Watson, who has not made the cut at Augusta since 2010.

"When you see these kids play out here and see them carry the ball 280 and 290 yards off the tee, it's time to say I can't compete with them.”