Padraig Harrington has predicted that Rory McIlroy could win as many as 10 Masters titles, following the Northern Irishman's successful defence of his green jacket at Augusta National. The 36-year-old McIlroy joined Jack Nicklaus, Sir Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods as the only players to win back-to-back Masters.
Harrington, a three-time major champion, highlighted McIlroy's improved short game as a key factor in his potential longevity at Augusta. 'For him, it was interesting that he won that one with his short game, which makes him even better a player,' Harrington said. 'Over the years it is physicality to driving and the iron play. He has always been a superb chipper, but now it is with the putting.'
The Irishman also praised McIlroy's mental resilience after he recovered from a six-shot lead evaporating on Saturday to win by one stroke over world number one Scottie Scheffler. 'He showed some real good character there, psychology-wise he really won that tournament,' Harrington remarked. 'His mentality and how he went about things, that is a very strong showing for him.'
Harrington, who shares a sports psychologist with McIlroy, believes the world number two's game has 'a lot of longevity in it'. 'As regards to Masters, Rory could win 10 of them at this stage, or five of them anyway,' he stated. 'He probably will still be competitive at 50 years of age around that golf course.'
