Augusta gears up for battle all are waiting for
THE world golf scene has been re-energised ahead of next month’s Masters by the resurgence of Tiger Woods and the return to form of Rory McIlroy. Both are now certain to command plenty of interest in the buildup to the first major of the year, which takes place in just over a fortnight’s time. Here, we look at how these giants of the game compare.
FORM AT AUGUSTA
Woods has not played at Augusta National since 2015 but the place hardly holds any fears for him having won four green jackets, even though the most recent of them came in 2005. McIlroy is hoping to complete the career grand slam. His 2011 meltdown, when he squandered a four-shot lead on the final day, is not a psychological issue — indeed, it has provided a spur for much of his other success since. After top-10 finishes in the last four years, he will feel a win is now due.
PUTTING
Much of the excitement around Woods’ excellent performances at the Valspar Championship and Arnold Palmer Invitational has been generated when he has holed some long putts. They may not yet be dropping with the regularity of old but, with his short game also in good nick, Woods is a strong performer in and around the greens. Injury aside, putting has been one of McIlroy’s biggest problems over the past year. His concerns looked a thing of the past on Sunday as, with confidence growing, he nailed a succession of clutch putts.
DRIVING
Woods can be wayward with the driver, and some have even suggested he should eschew the club altogether. Although he does now use longer irons more, he has not completely taken that advice and continues to seek distance. It is, perhaps, a weakness. McIlroy does not appear to have too many concerns on this front. He may not be the longest hitter in the game but he is not far off and, as he showed at Bay Hill when it really mattered, pretty accurate too.
HANDLING CROWDS
Crowds have warmed to Woods during his latest comeback and he seems to have sensed that. This will further boost him at the Masters. McIlroy too is a firm crowd favourite. There may have been some unsporting heckling at the last Ryder Cup at Hazeltine but this will not be a problem among the more reserved patrons of Augusta. Besides, he tends to thrive in such atmospheres anyway.
OTHER DANGERS
McIlroy seems to have overcome the rib injury and is also more settled after a hectic period in his life that included getting married, moving house and changing his caddie. With Woods, there is a feeling his back needs constant and careful management but the recent signs are good. Yet even if both are in good shape, the likes of Henrik Stenson, Justin Rose, Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Jason Day, Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler could also be in the mix.