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Harrington tips Rory for era of dominance

Rory McIlroy is at the summit of world golf following his win in the Honda Classic © PA Photos

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• Profile: Padraig Harrington | Rory McIlroy

Padraig Harrington is convinced Rory McIlroy will reign over the world of golf for years to come.

McIlroy, a major winner in 2011, secured another career goal with victory in the Honda Classic: becoming world No. 1. His rise to the top at the age of 22 means he is the second-youngest in the history of the sport to take top spot - with only Tiger Woods rising to the summit at a younger age.

The Ulsterman has been rewarded for his consistency, he has finished outside the top five just once since last August, as well as his huge ability.

Harrington has been aware of McIlroy's talent since he was making waves in Ireland as a teenager and feels it is the start of an era of dominance.

"There are very few players as good as him at his age out there winning tournaments," Harrington told the Daily Telegraph. "There are guys with potential, but he's already delivered.

"He has a good balance in his life. He doesn't look like the guy who is going to burn out.

"He looks like he's going to be here for a while."

McIlroy's win saw him leapfrog Luke Donald to the top of the world rankings, while Jason Day climbed from 10 to seven and Woods is back in the top 20 at 16 after finishing in a tie for second behind McIlroy at PGA National.

World Rankings: 1. Rory McIlroy (NIR), 2. Luke Donald (ENG), 3. Lee Westwood (ENG), 4. Martin Kaymer (GER), 5. Steve Stricker (USA), 6. Webb Simpson (USA), 7. Jason Day (AUS), 8. Dustin Johnson (USA), 9. Charl Schwartzel (RSA), 10. Hunter Mahan (USA), 11. Adam Scott (AUS), 12. Phil Mickelson (USA), 13. Bill Haas (USA), 14. Matt Kuchar (USA), 15. Graeme McDowell (NIR), 16. Tiger Woods (USA), 17. Nick Watney (USA), 18. Sergio Garcia (ESP), 19. Brandt Snedeker (USA), 20. Keegan Bradley (USA)

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