He is one of the most recognizable faces in golf and has a trophy cabinet bursting at the seams with some of the biggest prizes that the game has to offer, but, incredibly, Rory McIlroy has yet to taste victory in the US Masters.
The US Masters winner’s list reads like a “who’s who” of golfing greats and, from April 6th-9th this year, McIlroy will be hoping to do enough to finally take his place in the history books as just the sixth player to achieve a career grand slam with victory at Augusta National.
Can McIlroy Finally Win The Masters In 2023?
“Rory Mcilroy” (CC BY-ND 2.0) by internetsense
Twelve months ago at Augusta, McIlroy posted his best finish ever in the Masters, putting in an incredible final round of 64 as he tried in vain to reel in the longtime leader and eventual winner, Scottie Scheffler. If the betting markets are to be believed for the 2023 renewal, it could once again come down to a battle between the top two players in the world this year.
Those who bet on golf will be interested to know that there is little to separate Scheffler and McIlroy in the betting odds, with the two players being priced at +750, and +800, respectively.
McIlroy will be heading to Augusta this year in top form, having won a PGA Tour Event in March of this year. The Irishman always seems to come into his best form at this time of year, and he will be hoping that his improvement can continue into the Masters.
McIlroy’s Biggest Rivals
As stated, McIlroy was the closest he had ever been to winning at Augusta 12 months ago, but, in truth, he was never likely to reel in the world number one, Scottie Scheffler, who had powered through the weekend in spectacular fashion.
Once again, Scheffler is likely to prove to be McIlroy’s biggest obstacle to finally landing a Masters title, although Jon Rahm is also fancied to have a big weekend at Augusta in 2023. The big-hitting Spaniard, a former US Open winner, has been in impeccable form this year, winning all around him and putting in displays that must make him a favorite to win the second Major of his career.
Former world number one, Jordan Spieth, has an incredible record at the Masters, and he will be hoping to win the fourth major of his career by regaining the green jacket that he won in 2015. His form has dwindled in recent years, but he is an expert at negotiating the unique challenges of Augusta National, and should not be underestimated.
Two-time PGA Championship winner Justin Thomas, has yet to finish better than fourth in the Masters but is another that will enter the tournament in good form. The same goes for two-time Major winner Colin Morikawa, who put in a fine performance at Augusta 12 months ago, and whose game seems to continue to improve.
“Hole 13 – Azalea” (CC BY 2.0) by fabfiver5
It promises to be another memorable occasion at The Augusta National Golf Club in 2023, and if McIlroy were to finally pull on the green jacket and complete his career grand slam in the process, it would be a wonderful story in a sport that has had its problems in recent years.
