RORY CAN LIV IT UP WITH GRAND SLAM
Nick Dougherty insists Rory McIlroy is ready to LIV with the pressure and complete his career Grand Slam at the Masters.
The Ulsterman’s latest attempt to win a Green Jacket comes amid golf ’s civil war following the formation of the Saudibacked breakaway league.
Now McIlroy, 33, faces not just the pressure of his annual bid to win a fourth different Major – but also the increased spotlight from his vocal anti-LIV stance.
And Dougher ty, the presenter of Sky Sports Golf ’s coverage, reckons the four-time Major winner is showing the form and the mentality to make history.
The former European Tour pro winner said: “Just in a golfing sense, Rory has the weight of the world on his shoulders because it is such an illustrious club he is trying to join.
“However, if you boil it down to what it takes on this golf course, the signs are really good.
“He has a cracking record at Augusta –he just hasn’t won it. It is a course that should suit him.
“He finished second last year so for me there is enough evidence to say this really could be his year.”
Dougherty sees defending champion Scottie Scheffler and Jon Rahm as McIlroy’s biggest rivals.
But the 87th Masters has the added LIV Golf storyline with 18 stars who are currently banned from the PGA and DP World Tours also teeing up in the first Major of the year. Dougherty added: “They can contend. Some of these guys are still really good. I would not bat an eyelid if Dustin Johnson, Cam Smith and Joaquin Niemann are in the mix.”
McIlroy is seeking his first Major since the 2014 US PGA. Yet his form since his close call at Augusta last year – and coinciding with the LIV controversy – has been incredible with four wins and 12 top-10 finishes in 22 events. Dougherty added:“He is having to deal with all this stuff on social media. I have been amazed how well he has played throughout it all.”