DUSTBUSTER

Padraig: Mcilroy is the only one with the game to beat Johnson

The World No.1 enters the first Major of the season as the red hotfavourite after a run of three straight wins.

But triple Major winner Padraig Harrington reckons Mcilroy is the clear second pick because he has the power to tame the US Open champion even if the American arrives in Augusta with his A game.

And the new Sky Sports analyst claimed both the top two players in the world now carry a Tiger Woods-style fear factor.

“Players are worried that they can’t compete with Dustin when he is on top of his game,” said the Dubliner. “He has got to that level. He is in the form of his life.

“Rory is the second favourite because he is the only guy capable of beating him at this very moment if Dustin Johnson turns up at his best. Rory’s A game against Dustin’s A game would be an interesting sight.

“There are six or seven guys at the top of the world but Rory and Dustin are the ones that everyone else is worried about.

“When Tiger was at his best, whenever you finished your round, the name that you looked for at the sheet was Tiger Woods. Because if Tiger shot 65 in the first round there was consternation: ‘How are we going to beat him when he is playing well?’ Dustin and Rory are in that same camp.”

Harrington reckons the heavy rain forecast in Georgia this week will only add to the top two’s advantage. “If it does rain and the course plays long, it has got to play into the longhitters hands,” he said.

“Rory’s best club in his bag is the driver. Dustin’s best club is the driver. These can set themselves apart on a big, tough, driving golf course.

“They want the presure to be put on off the tee because that is where they are best.”

Both men are seeking a first Green Jacket but Mcilroy has admitted he is undercooked – and also feeling the added pressure of trying to complete his career Grand Slam.

“I think Rory is honest – he tells people what he is thinking,” Harrington added. “I think another player might try and play it down but the truth is that it is the biggest deal in golf for Rory.

“If he can get the Grand Slam of golf, it puts him on a completely different level in the history of the game.”