Rory McIlroy is going to be under the microscope at the 2012 US Masters after his nightmare at Augusta 12 months ago, but the young star has shown to be a growing force in world golf and he could easily make amends this time around.
The 22-year-old took the lead on day one at the Betfair US Masters in 2011 and by day four he was four strokes ahead of the rest of the field. But McIlroy self-destructed under the baiting eyes of the world golfing fraternity and finished with a round of 80 and back tied for 15th in the standings.
It would have been easy for him to run, hide and lick his wounds. But McIlroy proved his doubters wrong at the US Open when he broke several tournament records on the way to winning his maiden Major crown with a record score of 16-under-par, and by eight shots.
McIlroy has reached a career-high of number two in the world rankings and is now playing on both the PGA and European Tour. There is no doubting the Northern Irishman is one of the world’s elite but the scrutiny he will be under at the US Masters will probably be trebled after that nightmare last round of 2011 and the golf odds show he has a lot to live up to.
However, McIlroy seems to be relishing the prospect of lining up at Augusta again and he certainly has the talent to banish his demons by winning a green jacket in April.
He recently said: “I can’t wait for the Masters. I can’t wait to get back. I obviously know my way around the golf course and I feel like I’m going back there with a point to prove to myself.
“I’d love to get into contention again.”
McIlroy’s old friend Darren Clarke managed to win the British Open last year at the ripe old age of 42, and he recently revealed he was leading a new healthier lifestyle as he looks to add to his Major wins and it could be a new-look Clarke seen at Augusta in April.
Rory Mcilroy is now the world ranked no.1 golfer after winning The Honda Classic. If you had the chance to see the match there was nothing but shear determination on his face. His course management was excellent and His drives were Titanic off the tee.
Bring on the green Jacket ~ there is no doubt in my mind he will be wearing this years Green Jacket, and the luck of the Iris has nothing to do with it.
LibertyBell~
LibertyBell recently posted..The Honda Classic ~ Palm Beach County Florida