“Rory could win ten of them at this stage or five of them” - Harrington predicts Masters dominance for McIlroy

Padraig Harrington was impressed by Rory McIlroy’s short game and mental strength tips the Holywood star to win as many as five Masters titles.

The Dubliner (55), who tees it up in the Senior PGA Championship in Florida on Thursday, did not miss the final round action on Sunday and McIlroy’s second win in a row

While he'd like to see more Irish players make it to the Tour, the 12th Irish Major win since 2007 was a thrill for him, and he sees McIlroy going on to become a dominant force at Augusta National after winning back-to-back green jackets.

“As regards to Masters, Rory could win ten of them at this stage or five of them, anyway,” Harrington said at The Concession Golf Club.

“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.”

Harrington shares mental coach Dr Bob Rotella with McIlroy, and it's an improvement in that aspect of the game, as well as putting, that’s made the Holywood star a major force again.

“He showed some real good character there,” Harrington explained. “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.”

As for the strength in depth of Irish golf, Harrington is pleased to see more Major wins, but is concerned about the lower end.

“It's great for Irish golf,” Harrington said. “We've added another major title, which is very nice. 

“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 were 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”