Augusta, GA—When the first round of the 79th edition of The Masters gets underway it will likely mean for the first time in nearly 20 years neither Tiger Woods nor Phil Mickelson are high on the radar screen as prime contenders to carry off another green jacket. In 2014 neither man was around for weekend play—Woods opted not to compete because of injury and Lefty missed the cut for the first time since 1997.
Woods may opt to return for the first time since the PGA Tour stop this past February in San Diego but his earlier form has been nothing short of woeful. Flipping the switch on to compete at the highest of levels with a return to Augusta may prove just too much for the former world number one player.
Nonetheless, key contenders have emerged—any of the five mentioned below could very well add possession of their first green jacket and the distinction in being called Masters champion.
Rory McIlroy
No discussion of pre-tourney favorites can begin without mentioning the world’s number one player—Rory McIlroy. The 25-year-old Ulsterman won the final two majors from 2014 and a win this week at Augusta would mean completion of a career Grand Slam—becoming just the 6th golfer ever to achieve such a herculean feat.
In addition, with McIlroy winning his first Masters he would head to Washington State in mid-June to have a shot in holding all four major titles at the same time—a feat known as the Tiger Slam for what Woods achieved in the 2000-01 seasons. McIlroy has held the number one slot for 74 consecutive weeks and although his play on the PGA Tour has been less than his stellar stuff from the year prior, there is no question that when on form McIlroy has a gear switch that, thus far, none of his contemporaries can match.
In 2014, McIlroy earned his first top ten placement at Augusta with a tie for 8th. In 2011, he was in the driver seat in possibly winning his first green jacket. All things that were possible just collapsed with a meltdown starting at the 10th hole, finishing with an 80—an unfathomable reality after going into the final round with a four-shot cushion. The McIlroy of 2011, quickly rebounded with the next major—the U.S. Open at Congressional and a record setting four-round performance.
All eyes will be on Rory this week—as the should be. True separation of where he stands now compared to his peers are the stakes this week at Augusta. Should McIlroy get off to a fast start, he may leave all others in his rear view mirror. The main concern for McIlroy is handling the demands of Augusta National’s sweeping putting surfaces. Never known as a superb putter -- McIlroy will need his flatstick working no less than his superior tee-to-green skills.
Jason Day
Ranked number five in the world, the 27-year-old Aussie has shown a deep desire for intense competition on golf’s grand stages. In the last four Masters, Day has come forward with a 2nd and 3rd place finish. His swing works well with all the clubs—especially on the driver side and is comparable to the skills McIlroy possesses with the big stick.
Day did win this past February in San Diego at Torrey Pines and has shown a knack for being in contention at major championships. In 17 total appearances he has seven top-ten finishes.
The issue for Day is a simple but major hurdle—closing the deal. Despite his enormous talent, he has only three wins on the PGA Tour. He has had a few injury issues in the past but it appears that all is well and Day now has to demonstrate whether he can finally push through and claim the ultimate prize.
