Rory McIlroy backed to win 10 Masters titles after successful Augusta defence

McIlroy won the Masters for the second time on Sunday (Reuters)

Rory McIlroy has the skill and mental fortitude to potentially secure up to 10 Masters titles, according to former Open champion Padraig Harrington.

The bold prediction follows McIlroy’s recent triumph at Augusta National, where the 36-year-old joined an elite group of Jack Nicklaus, Sir Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods in successfully defending his title.

Harrington, a back-to-back Open winner from 2007 and the 2008 PGA Championship victor, believes McIlroy’s performance underscores his capacity for sustained dominance at the iconic course. The 54-year-old Irishman, whose best finishes at Augusta were two ties for fifth, sees no obstacle to McIlroy cementing his legacy as a multiple Masters champion.

"As regards to Masters, Rory could win 10 of them at this stage, or five of them anyway," Harrington stated at a press conference ahead of the Senior PGA Championship in Bradenton, Florida.

He added, "he probably will still be competitive at 50 years of age around that golf course."

Harrington highlighted McIlroy’s evolving game as a key factor.

McIlroy defended his Masters title on Sunday (PA)

"For him, it was interesting that he won that one with his short game, which makes him even better a player," he observed. "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 and things like that.

“A very rounded game and a game that looks like it has a lot of longevity in it, so he is in a very nice place going forward, particularly at that tournament."

The Irishman further emphasised the significance of McIlroy’s second Masters victory.

"It is amazing when you win one, that he has now got two and we are thinking that maybe two or three or five would be realistic around that golf course."

McIlroy’s victory was also a testament to his mental resilience. He recovered from seeing a six-shot second-round lead evaporate on Saturday, only to regain control with successive birdies through Amen Corner.

Padraig Harrington thinks McIlroy could win 10 Masters titles (PA)

Harrington, who shares a sports psychologist, Dr Bob Rotella, with McIlroy, was particularly impressed by the Northern Irishman’s composure in securing the green jacket, finishing a stroke ahead of 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.

“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."