Rory McIlroy revealed he likens himself to South African great Gary Player when bizarrely asked who of golf’s legendary ‘Big Three’ would he be.

The golf world currently is talking of new ‘Big Three’ in McIlroy along with double Major winning Jordan Spieth and new PGA Championship winner Jason Day.

Rory McIlroy is no stranger to winning at TPC Boston with victory in 2012

“I would say Gary, probably as he was the smallest,” he said with a smile.

“I guess I would be.   Yeah, I would probably be Player, I would say.   I mean if I am sitting here in 30-years time adn had the career that Gary Player had, I would be pretty happy.”

McIlroy is returning to competition since losing the World No. 1 crown post the PGA Championship to Whislting Straits runner-up Jordan Spieth.

However McIlroy went back to World No. 1 last week and by not competing on the PGA Tour but can now lose it should Jason Day win this week and both McIlroy and Jordan Spieth finish outside the top-2.

“I worked hard for it,” he said tongue in cheek.

“But then I was playing golf last week but not on the PGA Tour so the World Ranking guys must have been watching me last week.”

McIlroy is still easing himself back into action after the ankle ligament injury suffered playing football with friends in the summer that cost him the chance of defending his Open Championship title.

The 26-year-old said: “I am feeling good. I had a couple of weeks off after the PGA, just taking it nice and slowly and being patient with it. But I am excited to be back and feel my game is in good shape.”