Rory McIlroy says it would be great for golf if Jordan Spieth won a career grand slam but will be doing everything to try and stop him.

Spieth could enter the record books and become the youngest player ever to win all four majors, if he is successful in the USPGA at Quail Hollow, surpassing Tiger Woods, who was 24 years, seven months and 25 days when he achieved the feat.

However McIlroy would prefer it if the American completed the grand slam next year as he looks to end a major drought that spans back to 2014 when he won the Open Championship at Hoylake.

"Obviously Jordan has a great chance at completing a career grand slam, which would be huge for the game," McIlroy said. "Tiger was able to do it at 24. Jordan has a great chance to do it at the same age, which is historic in itself.

"My chance doesn't come until April next year in the Masters, so I can play well but if Jordan plays better, then Jordan plays better and I take my hat off to him.

"Again, it would be great for the sport. He is great for the sport and I sent him a text after he won The Open telling him that. But obviously he can wait until 2018 to do it!

"It would be nice if both of us did it in 2018, but we'll see how it goes."