The 28-year old Australian will be closely monitored by golf enthusiasts as he hopes to surpass his two top finishes in the US Masters. But a few wins will change that …
Advertisement
Rory McIlroy needs to win the Masters to become just the sixth golfer in history to win the majors career grand slam.
I feel like Ive got everything I need to become a Masters champion, he said. Other short odds to win are Rory McIlroy (8/1) and Jordan Spieth (9/1). “I think Tiger’s going to win more tournaments”. “But I was three-over after 27 holes and that’s not going to get it done”.
“I’d be lying if I said those guys having success doesn’t motivate me”, said McIlroy. So it should make me more comfortable knowing that I can go out and play my game, and that’s why I want to be as relaxed as possible.
Reigning Masters champion and world number two Jordan Spieth has been grouped with fellow American Bryson DeChambeau and England’s Paul Casey for Thursday’s first round at Augusta National. Sure, I’m putting pressure on myself to contend this year, just like last year.
With two-time Masters champion Tom Watson playing the event for the final time this year, there have been questions that he might take over the duties for Palmer. It’s awfully hard to win at Augusta with a double or triple bogey on the card.
“Golf’s not an easy game”, he said, after his second worst ever round at a major.
Former world number one Langer, who this week will be competing in his 33rd Masters, has set himself the target of making the cut at Augusta National for a third time in the last four years and vying for the title.
Rory McIlroy: There’s no better storyline than the 26-year-old from Northern Ireland completing the Grand Slam at the Masters, which would make him the only player to do it besides Gene Sarazen (1935).
At 38, Jim Herman won his first tournament in 106 tries at the Houston Open on Sunday to punch the last ticket into the first of the year’s four majors. “Then you start stressing about, ‘OK, is there enough money up to get my card for next year.’ And then you start losing a little bit of confidence”. And then the PGA, I’ll use an excuse right now and say there was a threestroke difference in the draw.
“Yeah, it’s something that I’d obviously be very proud of and something that I feel would set me apart”, he said. “You don’t want to see guys beating you”.
“I wonder if everything is just catching up with him?” But he’s back on a course where he’s done well, finishing tied for second in 2014 before his breakthrough win a year ago.
Jimmy Walker won the Par-3 contest with an 8-under 19, including a hole in one on No. 2.
Advertisement
Queenslander Jason Day goes in search his US Masters dream this weekend in better form than even the once almighty Tiger Woods with a stunning 50% winning strike-rate and a belief he can keep winning.
