Although Scottie Scheffler is the overwhelming favorite going into the Masters, the top player inthe world will undoubtedly need to fend off the threat posed by the player ranked lower than him in McIlroy, Rory
As the two best players in the world go into the Masters next month as the tournament favorites, Scottie Scheffler has been alerted to the threat posed by Rory McIlroy.
Unsurprisingly, Scheffler is the favorite in the betting, having recently demonstrated why he is the world’s top player. The 27-year-old won the Players Championship a week later after taking home the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill earlier this month.
Thanks to an incredible eight-under-par 64 in his final round, Scheffler became the first player to defend the renowned title, making his Players victory at TPC Sawgrass historic—all while managing a neck strain.
Following his incredible start to the season, the American has received strong support to win his second green jacket at Augusta next month. Undoubtedly, he will be keeping a close watch on McIlroy, who is determined to win the Masters and complete the career Grand Slam.
Three-time DP World Tour winner Nick Dougherty told Sky Sports that Scheffler could have an unstoppable run here where he completely separates himself from the rest, similar to what Tiger Woods did in his prime. This is to remind Scheffler of McIlroy’s threat.
But given the state of the golf world today, Rory McIlroy will probably attempt to bounce back. We are aware that the Masters is, as it always has been, a very compelling story, especially for British and Irish interest. Could he be the next player to achieve the Grand Slam of his career?
“I always support him, and even though I’m usually let down when the endeavor is over, I’m going to do it again. The game is his. Although he isn’t quite in the form he would have liked going into the Masters this year, we know what he is capable of, so perhaps this is the year for him.”
According to Dougherty, Scheffler’s recent performances have led to comparisons to the legendary Tiger Woods. Nonetheless, it’s evident that the man is keeping his feet firmly planted, having rejected comparisons between his game and the 82-time PGA Tour winner in his prime.
“It’s really special, in my opinion, anytime you can be compared to Tiger, but the man really stands alone in our game. He really does,” Scheffler declared following his most recent triumph.
“I’ve now tied him in Players Championships and am on my eighth tournament win here. Apart from that, I still have to catch up on about 70 PGA Tour events and 14 more majors. I believe I’m going to stay true to my schedule, plotting away and trying to maintain as much composure as possible.
“We all look up to Tiger. He has been our go-to person. It’s crazy to watch what he did at pivotal moments throughout the years. He’s taught me a lot just by being around him. We’re just grateful that he continues to participate in our sport.”
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