Rory McIlroy says three-time major winner is the ‘ultimate pro’ and has inspired a whole generation

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Rory McIlroy is one of the greatest golfers of all time himself but he’s been singing the praises of another major winner this week.

McIlroy is one of the most successful players to ever do it. He’s won four majors, countless PGA Tour and DP World Tour titles, and been on the winning side in multiple Ryder Cups.

For McIlroy, golf can often look easy and over the years, he’s produced moments that not many in the world could have done.

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Of course, like any golfer at any standard, McIlroy has been inspired by those who have gone before him.

But, while many will point to Tiger Woods as the biggest inspiration in golf, McIlroy has actually named another multiple major winner as his and many others’ idol.

Rory McIlroy says he’d never have believed if it wasn’t for Padraig Harrington

Speaking about Harrington ahead of the Irishman being inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame, McIlroy suggested he’d not have had the career he’d had if it wasn’t for Padraig.

“He really kickstarted the whole Irish golf movement,” McIlroy said.

“Padraig was the one who made us all believe we could do it. He’s the ultimate pro. He’s hit way more balls than I have in my life and we’ll never catch up to him.”

Padraig Harrington is one of the all-time greats

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While nowadays we see Harrington plotting his way around the PGA Champions Tour and doing bits over on social media with his popular tips videos, we must always remember he is a brilliant golfer first.

Harrington has won three majors, and finished in the top five in both the Masters and The Open.

Away from the majors, Harrington has amassed 15 European Tour wins, six PGA Tour wins, as well as other wins around the world in places like Japan and on the Asian Tour.

He’s won Ryder Cups, both as a player and as a vice-captain, and continues to develop the game and share his knowledge.

He is, without doubt, a future Ryder Cup captain and his induction into the Hall of Fame could not be more deserved.