Rory McIlroy has revealed his plans of competing for at least ten more years, despite murmurs over a possible retirement.
Rory McIlroy Ready To Compete For Another 10 Years Despite Retirement Suggestions
Three-time Major winner, Padraig Harrington claims that the Northern Irishman has the tools to compete with elite level players for at least 20 years.
McIlroy will enter his 18th season on the PGA Tour in 2025, beginning his tenure in 2007 and picking up a host of accolades along the way – US Open (2011), PGA Championship (2012/2014) and The Open Championship (2014).
The 35-year-old is one of the favourites to win the upcoming Hero Dubai Desert Classic in January on UK betting sites, however, he did admit that his career is in its latter stages back in February 2024.
However, Harrington beleives the Northern Irish golf superstar, could be a problem for the likes of Jon Rahm, Scottie Scheffler and Bryson DeChambeau for years to come.
Harrington said (Via Irish Independent): “He’s driving it as well as he’s ever driven it. He chips the ball unbelievably well.
“He’s got loads of tools and while he’s getting close to that period where there’s got to be fatigue in the system, burnout and all that goes with it, he has the physical tools to keep playing for another 20 years.
“When he’s in his 50s, he’s not going to be giving up anything in the ball striking. So, yeah, it looks like he could be different. But in saying that, nobody else ever has been. I don’t think he needs a hot streak [to win more Majors].
“Yeah, other players need a hot streak to get to the top. But his game is so strong in many departments that he really doesn’t need a hot streak. He’s different. He’s held to a different standard.”
McIlroy has provided a route through his retirement, as he beleives he can compete with the best for another 10 years at least.
McIlroy said: “I still have a good little bit of time here, hopefully for the next 10 years. I still like to think I’ve got a good run ahead of me.
“Whatever those numbers are, whatever the totals add up to, I’ll accept that and feel like I’ve done pretty well for a little boy from Northern Ireland that dreamed of playing golf for a living one day.”
