April 6, 2014: In a Tiger Woods-less Masters, who will be the next hero of Augusta? Will it be reigning US Masters Champion Adam Scott or the very popular former World no.1 Rory McIlroy; else, it could even be America’s own Phil Mickelson.
The field of 2014 consists of 90 professionals and six amateurs, representing a total of 21 countries. The field is wide open to those looking to attain dominance.
“It’s almost like golf is waiting for someone to stamp their authority on the game and be that dominant player,” McIlroy said to media men following his pro-am at the Houston Open.
[highlight] It’s almost like golf is waiting for someone to stamp their authority on the game and be that dominant player [/highlight]
When Woods was at the peak, he won nine events in 2000 and eight in both 1999 and 2006. Apart from Woods, Vijay Singh also won nine times in 2004.
McIlroy, Mickelson and others have posed challenges for Woods on many occasions in the past but none could replace his dominance.
Mickelson, a 42-time title winner, has battled injures of his own lately – including a muscle pull that forced his withdrawal from Texas Open recently.
Adam Scott is vying to upgrade his world rankings, from No.2 to No.1, will be trying to defend his championship at the Masters. Both, Scott and McIlroy are among those, who are considered worthy contenders at every event.
McIlroy, who is best settled with himself now, would certainly like to revive his role of dominance he assumed in 2012 after ascending to the top of the world rankings. With every thing settled, the win at the Australian Open in December has boosted his confidence.
“I don’t have to worry about equipment stuff,” McIlroy said. “Everything is just more settled.”
McIlroy also left little doubt about who he hopes will fill the void Woods absence has left – for now.
“I hope it’s me,” he said.
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- Pros
- augusta masters 2014
- rory mcilroy
- tiger woods
