World No. 1 Rory McIlroy has at least won one battle in his quest for a career Grand Slam at this week’s 79th staging of the Masters.

And it’s come from the most unlikeliest of sources – reigning US Open champion Martin Kaymer.

Kaymer was being asked about McIlroy’s physique as has been seen in a recent men’s magazine spread.

“Rory is obviously a strong boy,” said Kaymer smiling.

“If you see pics of him from five years ago, and you see him now, he looks impressive.

Rory McIlroy and Martin Kaymer team together to play ping pong a few years back in Shanghai but with the German conceding an arm wrestle contest to McIlroy. (Photo – www.golffile.ie)

“If you look at pictures taken about five years ago of both Rory and me, we both look quite chubby.

“Now Rory looks solid, a good unit.”

And while Kaymer will be looking to end a miserable run of having missed the cut in the past two Texas events, he was asked who would win an arm wrestle contest between the European golfing heavyweights.

“After seeing those magazine pictures of Rory, he’s a very strong boy, so I don’t want to go there,” said Kaymer smiling.

“I will give him that win.”