World No 1 Rory McIroy has tipped Bradley Neil to be a smash hit in America.
The Northern Irishman took Blairgowrie’s 19- year-old British Amateur champion under his wing for 18 holes at Augusta National on Monday.
And the career Grand Slam contender has taken time out to praise the rookie, advising him to turn pro this year if he felt the time was right.
Neil will tee-up alongside fellow Scot and 1988 green jacket winner Sandy Lyle (57) in the first two rounds. They will be joined by Korean Seung-Yul Noh.
After assessing the Perthshire youngster’s game at close quarters having issued a Gleneagles Ryder Cup invitation to play in Masters week, McIroy has no doubt that Neil has the quality to step up to the pro ranks.
He said: “I rate his game very highly. He looks ready. His game is right there. If he feels ready he should go ahead and do it.
“He hits it a long way and doesn’t seem to be in awe of anything.”
And his advice for the rookie? “I told him to go out there and enjoy it, don’t second guess yourself and be decisive,” added McIlroy.
Neil joined the other Scot taking part in Masters week, Ryder Cup star Stephen Gallacher, and Irishman Shane Lowry, for another practice round.