Pádraig Harrington predicts several more Masters titles for Rory McIlroy

Harrington feels McIlroy's improving short game, and his mentality, mean the 36-year-old will be a long-term competitive force at the top in golf

Pádraig Harrington believes Rory McIlroy will still be competitive around Augusta National when he's 50. Pic: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy

Pádraig Harrington believes Rory McIlroy could add several more Masters titles to the two he has already won. 

Harrington feels McIlroy becoming a more rounded player increases his longevity.

"As regards to the Masters, Rory could win ten of them at this stage or five of them, anyway," said Harrington.

"He probably will still be competitive at 50 years of age around that golf course. For him, it was interesting that he won that one with his short game, which makes him even better a player.

"Over the years it's physicality to driving and the iron play. He's always been a superb chipper, but now it's with the putting and things like that. A very rounded game and a game that looks like it has a lot of longevity in it. 

"So he's in a very nice place going forward, particularly at that tournament that you would think. It's amazing when you win one, that he's now got two, and we're thinking that maybe two or three or five would be realistic around that golf course.

"But, yeah, he showed some real good character there. You know, psychology-wise he really won that tournament. His mentality and how he went about things, that's a very strong showing for him.

"He obviously still has the physical side of the game, but to show that short game and the mental side of the game means he looks like he would be a very strong force for a while to come in the game."

Harrington, who will play the Senior PGA Championship at the Concession Club this week, said McIlroy's victory is "great for Irish golf" but he again expressed concerns about the depth of Irish players on tour. 

"We've added another major title, which is very nice," he said.

"We've been doing very well at the top of the table. Not so well at the bottom of the table. We haven't had a lot of new guys come onto tour.

"I think when I started out on tour, there was 15 Irish guys on the European Tour. I played the first four events. This year I was the only Irish guy. Yeah, we're strong at the top."