Nick Faldo believes Rory McIlroy's decision to give a walk-and-talk interview at last year's Masters was 'weird'.
And the golf icon also thinks the Northern-Irishman requires '100 per cent concentration' as he looks to finally win the prestigious prize.
McIlroy has never won at Augusta and will tee off today hoping to finally end his wait for the prize he covets most.
Last year, the 34-year-old raised eyebrows by participating in a walk-and-talk interview while playing the ninth hole during the first round.
It was a decision that raised eyebrows, with Faldo previously critical.
And the 66-year-old, speaking to talkSPORT, has now admitted he found the decision to talk to the media 'weird' given he was in the middle of the action.
"I didn't like it," stated Faldo.
"I thought, ‘You're kidding me! The Masters?’ Sure, do that any other week. But why the Masters?
"I mean, that is one of the most beautiful things about the Masters.
"It's you and your caddie, just the two of you and the other players. That's all that's inside the ropes. That's what's so wonderful about that tournament.
"And to suddenly bring other people in? Because that's got to be organised, hasn't it?
"And this sort of thing, your manager is going to say to you before, ‘Will you do this?’
"Gosh, no, you need 100 per cent concentration. Everybody would fully understand that.
"I don't think that there's anyone who would say, ‘I think we should have a chat with a golfer in the middle of the Masters. It's going to be so much better’.
"Not the Masters or the majors. Let the guys go and play and entertain that way.
"So no, I disagreed. I thought that was weird and wonderful."
McIlroy has, over the past couple of years, taken aim at LIV Golf.
The PGA Tour star did, however, resign from his role on the PGA Tour's Player Advisory Council in November 2023 in order to focus more on the sport.
And Faldo thinks McIlroy has made the right decision as he hunts Masters glory.
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"I think he's trying to put priorities into golf," he added.
"And guess what? Some old b****r said that 10 years ago. You’ve got to look out.
"You have a window as an athlete, don't you? Just look after yourself as an athlete.
"You've got tons of time once you've stopped playing your sport to go and do all your other stuff.
"But while you're an athlete, give it 100 per cent. That was my attitude.
"You know, once you get your mind into other things, business and all sorts, then it's hurting your golf. It really does."
McIlroy is scheduled to tee off today at 6.12pm.
