The comparisons between Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods have been expressed adnauseum since the North Irishman bursted on to the Tour. On Wednesday, Ernie Els took it a step further.
According to Els, not only will McIlroy match Woods' dominance from a decade past, he will surpass it.
"When you think how young he is, he's got 20 years to reach my age and I still feel I can win one or two more," said the Big Easy (via the Daily Mail). "I think Rory's got so much control over his life now both on and off the course that he can pick up one major every two years for the next 20 years."
"He's definitely good enough," he added. "That would give him 14, and I think he will get to that total at least."
Obviously, such high praise filtered over to McIlroy ahead of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open—an event Els himself will be attending.
"One every two years? I'd like to think so, but it's hard to know," said McIlroy. "I feel healthy, my game is in good shape and I'm motivated. I certainly expect to give myself plenty of chances, but I'm not going to put a number on it."
The Dubai Duty Free Irish Open is hosted by McIlroy's own charity, the Rory Foundation, and will attempt to raise over £1 million for children's cancer. It will be held from May 28-31 at the Royal County Down Golf Club in Newcastle.
Drawn with Martin Kaymer and Rickie Fowler, McIlroy will tee off his first round at 8 a.m. local time.
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