Jackie was 24 and was on Nicklaus’ bag for that unexpected 1986 Masters win that crowned the Golden Bear’s career.
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There is also the fact that McIlroy knows his game, with his natural draw and high trajectories, is ideally suited to the specific demands of Augusta National, which he always felt he would win ahead of either the United States or British Opens.
Other golfers considered favorites along with Day include 2015 Masters victor Jordan Spieth, Rory McIlroy, two-time champion Bubba Watson, 2013 champion Adam Scott, Dustin Johnson, Rickie Fowler and Phil Mickelson.
McIlroy and world number one Jason Day will square off at Augusta tomorrow.
McIlroy heads out in the last group for Thursday’s first round, alongside Germany’s Martin Kaymer and American Bill Haas, teeing off just after 2pm local time (7pm Irish time).
Rose has returned to Augusta National in solid though unspectacular form, but said you can throw out the form book.
McIlroy is the only player from the top five in the world ranking who has not won this year….
McIlroy is on hand to capture a fifth major title and complete a career Grand Slam at age 26, joining Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Ben Hogan, Gary Player and Gene Sarazen in having won all four majors at least once.
Last year: Spieth set the 36-hole scoring record and tied the 72-hole scoring record in a wire-to-wire victory for his first major. “But I feel like my game is right there, so I feel good”.
He was in good shape at the U.S. Open previous year but three-putted on the final green to lose by one shot to Spieth.
“So for me, I need to be at that kind of level to think I’m going to be able to continue to do that”.
“So there’s no time like the present to get it done”, he said. To be only one of six people to do it, I feel like I’d set myself apart from definitely the guys that are playing here this week. “I’ve got a little bit of experience in how to deal with it and approach it”. The 66 year old has announced that this will be his last Masters tournament, but he’s played well enough in recent years to think a weekend run could be in the cards.
McIlroy opted out of the Par 3 contest today and revealed that was partly to do with the superstition that the victor of this fun contest has never won the Green Jacket.
“I’ve got a great game for here”. “I know his personality, I know his determination, I know his work ethic”, the 18-time major victor said.
“My final round past year, I went more aggressive and that’s the lowest score I’ve shot around here”, he said of that four-under 68 round. “It’s a golf course that I can compete and play well and win”. If they keep going with how they are, the greens are going to be pretty quick, and the wind is going to be pretty steady out there.
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“There’s a lot of guys who have a lot of success here that have really brought some strong finishes and motivation and some momentum into this week”.
