Rory McIlroy has been tipped to become the world number one by Ernie Els after his performances at the WGC Accenture Match Play.
The Northern Ireland teenager dispatched South Africa's Tim Clark 4&3 in Arizona to book his place in the quarter-finals, where he will now face Australia's Geoff Ogilvy.
McIlroy, on his professional debut in the United States, has become the focus of attention since Tiger Woods' early exit, and Els believes he can replace the American at the top of the rankings.
"I think that you're probably looking at the next number one in the world with him," said the South African, who plays Stewart Cink in the last eight.
"He's going to be a major factor in world golf.
"He's got all the tools. He's got a lot going for him."
McIlroy is keeping is feet on the ground despite all the talk and says his main goal is to make the top 10.
"I still have got a long way to go," he said.
"And my main goal is to try to get into the top 10 in the world and then if I can do that I'll try and get to number two and then Tiger comes back fit and strong."
The Northern Ireland teenager dispatched South Africa's Tim Clark 4&3 in Arizona to book his place in the quarter-finals, where he will now face Australia's Geoff Ogilvy.
McIlroy, on his professional debut in the United States, has become the focus of attention since Tiger Woods' early exit, and Els believes he can replace the American at the top of the rankings.
"I think that you're probably looking at the next number one in the world with him," said the South African, who plays Stewart Cink in the last eight.
"He's going to be a major factor in world golf.
"He's got all the tools. He's got a lot going for him."
McIlroy is keeping is feet on the ground despite all the talk and says his main goal is to make the top 10.
"I still have got a long way to go," he said.
"And my main goal is to try to get into the top 10 in the world and then if I can do that I'll try and get to number two and then Tiger comes back fit and strong."