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'Rory can dominate for the next 10 to 15 years' says Sky pundit Rob Lee

LOUISVILLE, KY - AUGUST 10:  Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland poses with the Wanamaker trophy after his one-stroke victory during the final round of the 96
Image: Rory McIlroy celebrates his victory at this year's PGA Championship in Kentucky

Rory McIlroy can dominate golf ‘for the next 10 to 15 years’ says Sky Sports golf pundit Rob Lee .

The world No 1 has won four times during the year - including the Open Championship and PGA Championship - while posting five runner-up finishes.

In 23 starts during 2014, the Northern Irishman only once finished outside the top 25, when missing the cut at the Irish Open in June.

And Lee is convinced the best golf of his career is still ahead for the 25-year-old. "He is the best player in the world. Sometimes you can have a No 1 and you think ‘he’s doing well to be there.’

“But Rory is a guy who has got everything. He is box office and right now he’s what Tiger Woods used to be. He will bring people through the gates. And if Rory is playing in an event it will raise the status of that tournament.”

However, Lee does advise the four-time Major winner to take it a little easier in the gym which has now become a big part of McIlroy’s new training regime.

"I hope he doesn’t overdo the weight training. With such colossal weights you can easily slip a disc," said Lee.

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“The important thing for Rory is longevity and he has all he needs to conquer this game for the next 10 to 15 years.

“Who knows how long he can go on for. He has the entire package – the next Tiger Woods.”

I hope he doesn’t overdo the weight training
Rob Lee

And Lee singles out McIlroy’s second shot to the 10th green, during the final round of this season’s PGA Championship at Valhalla in Kentucky, as the most memorable moment of the golfing year.

McIlroy eagled the hole and came home in 32 strokes to beat Phil Mickelson by a single shot.

Lee said: “That fairway wood shot at the start of the back nine in the final round at the PGA Championship – when he was a little lacklustre up until then – got him going.

“He ran it fairly close to the pin and he made an eagle, it got him going and he closed it out like great champions do. And if he wins the Masters next year it will be a career Grand Slam at the age of 25.

“I just hope this legal thing that’s hanging over his head is dealt with quickly so he can concentrate on the build up to Augusta. The anticipation will build as the tournament gets closer.”

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