‘I can’t compete’: Padraig Harrington’s admission over prime Rory McIlroy

Self confidence is a trait that every golfer needs to perform well. Padraig Harrington has revealed that back in his prime, the emergence of a young Rory McIlroy dented his.

In the late 2000s and early 2010s, Harrington was at the top of the game. Winning three majors in a two-year stretch, including back-to-back Open championships, it would be hard to imagine that anything could knock the confidence of the Irishman.

Heading into the 2011 US Open, Harrington, who was speaking recently on the Cookie Jar Golf Podcast, believed he was the best player in the world.

It certainly wasn’t an outlandish thought, either. The Irishman recounted how he played a practice round with Adam Scott on the day prior to the event getting underway.

Rory McIlroy's masterclass at Congressional at just 21 was enough to shift three-time major winner and one of golf's mentally toughest players, @padraig_h, from a positive mindset to a negative one—altering the course of his career. pic.twitter.com/KudKC1x0Lb

— Cookie Jar Golf (@cookiejargolf) February 23, 2025

“He (Scott) came in and did an interview and told everyone to go home,” Harrington explained. “You might as well all go home, Padraig Harrington’s winning this.

“I am, in my head, I’m the best player,” the 53-year-old continued. “I’ve won three majors just recently, I’m in great form, I prepared right, I go into this tournament and Rory does something that I can’t compete with. Wipes the floor. He’s just blown us all away.

“But, that’s OK if I thought I could get better, that’s fine. When Tiger was doing that in the early 2000s, I was only on my way up, this is me at my best and I don’t think I can compete.

“In 2008, I was not looking over my shoulder. I was only concerned about me. 2011 onwards, I’m now thinking I’m not good enough. I need to be a better version of me to be able to compete with Rory.”

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And for that week at least, Harrington was correct. McIlroy, 22-years-old at the time, won his first major by eight shots at Congressional that week, leaving the rest of the field in his dust.

Harrington, meanwhile, had a steady but unspectacular four days, leaving himself in a tie for 45th. It certainly wasn’t the end of Harrington as a fixture in majors, however. In 2012, Harrington, who is now a YouTube star, recorded two top tens, with a career best of tied fourth at the US Open.

Lewis Fraser As bunkered’s Performance Editor, Lewis oversees the content that’s designed to make you a better player. From the latest gear to tuition, nutrition, strategy and more, he’s the man. A graduate of the University of Stirling, Lewis joined bunkered in 2021. Formerly a caddie at Castle Stuart Golf Links, he is a member of Bathgate Golf Club where he plays off four.

Performance Editor