Rory McIlroy responds to Fred Couples’ prediction that he will win five Masters titles

“He really could win five more of these,“ Couples said.

During an appearance at the Laureus awards, McIlroy was asked whether he agrees with Couples’ prediction that he will win five Masters by the time he’s finished playing.

“I can understand that point of view, but at the same time, there’s the strength and the depth of guys on tour and the people that are playing the Masters,“ McIlroy said.

Photo by Augusta National via Getty Images

*“*Look at what happened at the Masters this year. I had a six-shot lead. I certainly didn’t play as well as I played the first two days over the weekend, but I didn’t play badly.

“And there are so many guys that are chasing and wanting a shot at the title. I understand Fred Couples saying ‘Rory’s gonna win five’, but at the same time, it’s easier said than done! And I know I’m going to have to play really good golf even if I want to win one more Masters.“

McIlroy showed great humility with that response. However, deep down he will surely be confident in his chances of winning at least a couple more green jackets.

Rory McIlroy shares his attitude to playing The Masters now

McIlroy was asked how he will approach playing The Masters now, having won two green jackets.

“I feel like I can approach the Masters with this sense of freedom and this sense of fun,“ the Northern Irishman admitted.

“All it is now is, ‘how many can I win?’ instead of, ‘I just really hope I win this thing once’. There’s certainly a different mindset going into it.“

What a great position to be in.

The man from Holywood, Northern Ireland, has obviously reached the stage of his career where all that matters to him is cementing his legacy by winning more majors.

Rory McIlroy could easily win two or three more Masters titles by the time he hangs up his clubs.

However, it would take some doing for him to win five more times around Augusta National like Fred Couples predicted he could.