The Masters enters day three, and we have quite he historic matchup on tap.
By William Chase
In one of the most prestigious events in golf, we enter day three of the Masters here in Augusta, GA, with defending champion Jordan Spieth leading the way at -4.
The weekend has been a bit tough for even the world’s best, with Spieth adding, “Tomorrow is probably going to be more difficult than today” according to ESPN.com’s Bob Harig. Spieth failed to match or better par for the first time at Augusta National in 10 career rounds on Friday.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OBYYhdogEQ
Rory McIlory was only one of four who broke par Friday, shooting up to second behind Spieth. But we don’t need Tiger Woods to attract what could be a first in Masters history.
A final pairing of No. 2 vs. No. 3, Spieth and McIlory on Saturday, both golfers being 26 or younger and facing the other, and both with multiple majors victories on their resume and facing the other.
That’s what’s never happened before.
“We just both seem to be on our games right now and obviously really focused on this week with a lot of fantastic players behind us” said Spieth.
It’s the defending champion in Spieth, and then McIlory needing what would be his first green jacket to complete the career Grand Slam.
With a forecast of sunny skies and 20 mph sustained breeze for today, the elements will be one thing to watch for the world’s best. But even as the defending champ gets set for the latter part of the weekend, he admits he would rather be going up against someone other than McIlory, according to Paul Newberry, Associated Press via BusinessInsider.com.
“I’d rather be playing with someone less threatening, to be honest. He’s certainly proven himself in majors. But I think it’s going to be fun, a really fun challenge.”
So we wonder, how much greater would Spieth’s legacy be with a second consecutive Masters victory?
He would join an exclusive group of 17 golfers currently who have claimed multiple Masters tournaments. Like Woods, he claimed his first Masters victory at the ripe age of 21-years-old. Spieth had five PGA Tour wins by the age of 22-years-old, just one off the pace set by Tiger. Spieth had the edge in majors, both of course laying claim to one green jacket by 22.
Of course there’s still a long way to go for the 22-year-old, but he’s already accomplished so much to this point.
On the other hand, it’s quite obvious what a Masters victory would do for the legacy of Rory McIlory. Considered the boy wonder, people have wondered why McIlory has failed to capitalize on a Masters victory before now, his eighth chance at the green jacket. For the man who has won every other Major, he desperately wants, and needs, to claim what is golf’s answer to the Super Bowl.
Though today, and this weekend, might come down to Spieth vs McIlroy, and rightfully so, it also comes down to McIlroy vs McIlroy. Can he finally overcome what has alluded him to this point?
Welcome to Saturday at #themasters. pic.twitter.com/H6gfuNmbAb
— Masters Tournament (@TheMasters) April 9, 2016
