The list of players, both young and old, who would challenge Tiger Woods is a lengthy one. Thirteen years after Woods turned pro, we're still waiting. Phil Mickelson has always been in the conversation, but names like Charles Howell and David Gossett were gone faster than they came. Sergio Garcia was the clear choice in the late '90s and early '00s, but 10 years after bursting on the scene at the '99 PGA Championship as a 19-year-old phenom, he's still searching for his first major victory. Real life sidetracked David Duval, also a legit threat to Tiger's legacy around the time of Garcia's emergence.
And now, Camilo Villegas, Anthony Kim and Andreas Romero are often mentioned as likely candidates to unseat the world's best player.
Up till two weeks ago, anyway. Padraig Harrington, who has struggled through the 2009 season after winning three majors the two previous years, finally found his game. He came within a 16th-hole snowman of beating Woods at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational. And he was in the running to win the PGA Championship until another 8 ruined his final round and sealed his fate.
In those 16 strokes, Paddy went from "the guy best positioned to dethrone Tiger" to "another name for The List (as described in the first paragraph)."
But what about Rory McIlroy? He finished tied for third at Hazeltine, and not only that, he made the cut at every major this season (20th at the Masters, 10th at the U.S. Open, and 47th at the British Open). Even more impressive: he seemed unfazed by the media-frenzied spectacle that these events have become. Oh, and he's 20 years old.
Save the British, where he competed as an amateur in 2007, this was McIlroy's first time making the rounds at the majors. He appeared to take it all in stride, however. "It's been a great week and I have a lot to build on. This is only my first year in the Majors, so I learned a few things on my way and that should help me to build on them next year. Hopefully I'll get in a couple better finishes than just the top 10 or top five."
Shane Bacon identified McIlroy as one of the "winners" at the PGA, writing: "[He]seems like the kid who will win one of these majors soon enough. He doesn't let himself get down, he has the moxie to compete against anyone and now has the experience. Oh, and it appears he has the girl, too."
So, for now, it appears McIlroy is the guy to challenge Tiger. History suggests that could change on a whim (at one time Sergio possessed many of the qualities that make McIlroy so successful) and maybe it already has. After all, Y.E. Yang did pull off the unthinkable just two days ago.
Comments (Page 1 of 1)
McIlroy has game.....and enough attitude to handle the pressue.
I think everyone is getting sick and tired of Tiger's arrogance. I don't want to watch three days of the leader whining and wincing every two seconds. The guy is WAY too full of himself.
Give em hell McIlroy
You are just a jealous person. Tiger rules
NO one is a challenger to Tiger Woods until they win something and in fact, win plenty of somethings...
While many can't stand Tiger's dominance or questions his 'arrogance' (what, should he come over to your house for dinner to show he's a regular joe and humble about his wins) None can challenge his drive, his work ethic and commitment to the sport. His accomplishments represent the investment he's made physically, emotionally, energetically and over time. Add all that to someone who was trained well by his father how to keep going when it was tough, and his talent for the game and you have what you have...a Roger Federer, Michael Jordan of his sport...both of whom have been accused of arrogance at times.
For those who are 'tired of Tiger'....watch something else because he's going to be around successfully for many years and NO player will take him down, only age, his own choice to quit or an injury will do so. Until then, bring on all comers and while they may individually rack up a tournament win against him...I'd be surprised if we see is like again for several decades...