Garcia has high praise for McIlroy

By Mark Garrod, Press Association Sport Golf Correspondent, Dubai Last updated: 20th November 2009

Sergio Garcia is the only player to have made the world's top 10 as a 20-year-old since the ranking system began in 1986 - but he'll be only too happy if Rory McIlroy joins him this weekend.

As well as trying to become the second youngest European Tour number one of all time - Seve Ballesteros was 19 in 1976 - Rory McIlroy's goal of reaching the top 10 this season can also be realised this weekend.

Even a runners-up finish in the Dubai World Championship could be good enough for that and if it happens Garcia will be delighted for the Northern Irish player.

"I love the way he plays and I love the kid," said Garcia, now 29.

"It's great to see him doing so well. He's been playing great all year and he's playing great this week."

McIlroy is in a share of second place at halfway, two behind main money list rival Lee Westwood.

Asked about the two of them pairing up at the Ryder Cup in Wales next October, the Spanish star added: "It would be awesome no matter who he plays with.

"He's going to be a great asset to the team and Martin Kaymer could be unbelievable too.

"Monty (captain Colin Montgomerie) should be very happy - it looks good."

Garcia also believes McIlroy is doing the right thing by taking up a US Tour card next year.

"I think it's natural move," said the Spaniard.

"He knows what to expect. He's played in America already and it's not like he's a rookie.

"If he wants to become the best player he can I think he has to. He didn't ask me, but I would have advised him to do it.

"And the most important thing is to stay with himself. People think you have to change your whole game and that's not true."

Mark Garrod, Press Association Sport Golf Correspondent, Dubai