Rory: Tiger-less Masters still great
Rory McIlroy has joined the list of players who are confident that the Masters won’t be negatively affected by Tiger Woods’ absence.
World number one Woods confirmed on Tuesday that he will miss this year’s tournament at Augusta National after undergoing back surgery for a pinched nerve that has troubled him for several months.
It will be the first time since he made his debut in 1995 that the American will be not tee off for the first major of the year, and some are worried that the event will lose some of its glamour due to Woods’ absence.
Paddy Power has made McIlroy favourite to win at Augusta following Woods’ withdrawal, and the two-time major winner is confident the tournament won’t suffer because of the American’s absence.
“Look, it’s a shame for him, a shame for the Masters and a shame for golf. But the Masters will still be the Masters even though he won’t be there,” he said.
He added: “It [the withdrawal] didn’t come as a shock. He has been struggling since the back end of last year. I didn’t expect him to play the Masters knowing how he has been struggling but I was surprised to see that he needed to have an operation. I didn’t know it was that bad. But at the end of the day this is golf, his health is much more important, he has to sort that out.”
World number 11 Matt Kuchar, who has decent odds with Paddy Power, also believes that the Masters remains the “greatest golf tournament” despite Woods’ withdrawal.
“Certainly, the Masters will not suffer. It’s definitely exciting,” he said.
He added: “I think everyone wants Tiger to be healthy and playing well and in contention. Most guys dream of taking Tiger down, battling him down the stretch at the Masters. We won’t have that chance this year but we’ll still have a chance to don a Green Jacket.
“It’s the Masters. It’s still the greatest golf tournament.”
Latest
-
News‘It’s inexcusable’ – Justin Thomas apologises for homophobic slur in Hawaii
The world number three was heard using the derogatory word towards himself after missing a par putt.
-
NewsWestwood, McDowell back petition to allow English golf courses to open
The duo have added their names to a petition that has passed 100 000 signatures.
-
NewsXander Schauffele pledges to ‘fake it until I make it’ after contracting Covid
Schauffele is one of 16 players in the Sentry Tournament of Champions who failed to win an official event last season.
-
NewsAfter years with TaylorMade, Jon Rahm joins Callaway
Spaniard will have Callaway woods and irons in his bag at Sentry Tournament of Champions.
-
NewsWhat to expect from the 2021 OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic
There are more prestigious events on the European Tour, but there’s no denying that the Dubai Desert Classic just has something about it.
-
NewsOrganisers delay ticketing process for 2021 Masters as another fan shutout looms
Augusta National Golf Club is considering its options before making a call on 2021 Masters.
-
NewsTiger Woods’ former swing coach: I think I over-coached him
Sean Foley reckons he didn’t give Tiger the help he really needed.
-
NewsGreg Norman returns home from hospital to await coronavirus test results
The 65-year-old spent Christmas Day in hospital after experiencing symptoms.
-
NewsGreg Norman in hospital with coronavirus
The 65-year-old shared a photo of himself in a hospital bed on Christmas Day.
-
NewsLee Westwood sees age as no barrier to his golfing aspirations
Westwood, at the age of 47, has been crowned European Tour’s Golfer of the Year for 2020.