Jay GreesonSo if the Nike commercials are to be believed — and more scientifically, the Vegas odds makers — this is Rory McIlroy’s Masters to lose.
The reigning champ of the last two major championships, McIlroy is an 8-to-1 pick by the fellows who make their living knowing more about sports and odds than the average duffer. McIlroy is looking to join a pretty impressive twosome of Tiger Woods and Ben Hogan by winning three consecutive majors.
As for Nike, according to the four-letter Swoosh, which has championed a commercial that is based on Tiger Woods passing the torch to the young Irishman, the future is McIlroy’s as well.
The funny thing about the Masters, though, is that tradition and timing mean way more than corporate sponsors and media buzz.
This is a tradition unlike any other, and a pressure unknown for the best players on the planet. McIlroy admitted as much this week, saying he still fights nerves on the first tee.
McIlroy may very well win a closet full of green jackets before he’s done, but until we know his measurements and watch him sit with Jim Nantz in the Butler Cabin, well, favorite in name is a fool’s folly and a Wednesday talking point not unlike the commonly know fact that the winner of the Par 3 has never won that year’s Masters. (Sorry, Kevin Streelman, tradition rules off Washington Road.)
Still, even with McIlroy as the front-runner, the lead story belongs to the course. That’s the great thing about Augusta National. It’s the lone major played on the same track every year, and with that familiarity comes the treasured memories of great highlights of previous years. Be they magically authored by Mize or Mickelson or forgettably hatched by Hoch or Norman.
So the Masters gets top billing over the field, and that makes it special.
Beyond that, whether you want to admit it or not, it starts with Tiger Woods, who in the last year has been closer to playing well enough to winning the Metro than the Masters, and what he does following his hiatus. It could be a train wreck or it could be the sports story of the year or anywhere in between. In fact, Vegas is giving odds on whether he’ll make the cut.
Then there is McIlory, who is trying to complete the career grand slam. Plus, there’s the chase of history, and while we do not know much, we’re sure that if you become the third name on a golf list with Woods and Hogan that is certain to be a good thing.
There are the long-hitting lefties and former Masters champs Phil and Bubba, who are crowd favorites there.
There’s the list of guys without a major title who could win this week. Names such as Rickie Fowler, Jason Day, Dustin Johnson, Jimmy Walker or Matt Kuchar.
There’s also the soggy weather forecast that will make the 7,400-plus yards play even longer. But it also will soften the greens to the point that the guys who bomb can be more aggressive.
Tiger and Rory are certainly part of the group of guys long enough to tackle Augusta and the elements.
Sure, the latter has more momentum than Woods, but if the tournament is decided on the back nine come Sunday afternoon and Woods is in the mix, would you bet against him?
He may not be — it’s tough to believe a guy struggling with his chipping and confidence can contend at a palace of perfection like Augusta National.
Still, Woods’ mere presence, especially if he’s still there this weekend, will make the best tournament even better.
So buckle up for the best four days on the golf calendar, because the story starts with the course and ends with the life-changing moment of a green jacket. The winner forever is different, and here’s saying Jason Day will face that luxury next week.
Jay Greeson’s column appears on Page A2 on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. His sports columns are scheduled for Tuesdays and Fridays. You can read his online column “The 5-at-10” Monday through Friday at timesfreepress.com after 10 a.m. Contact him at jgreeson@timesfreepress.com and follow him on Twitter at @ jgreesontfp.