Rory McIlroy is at Augusta National this week along with the creme of world golf.
Director of Golf at the Mount Wolseley Hotel, Eamonn O’Donnell fanices Rory McIlroy to win his first Masters and complete the Grand Slam of major victories.
“Well, I have a sneaky couple of Euro on young McIlroy at 24/1”, says O’Donnell.
“I am sitting quietly confident that you have to have Rory in the equation. I think if I was a betting man, I would say Phil (Mickleson) has more of a chance than Tiger.”
“Justin Rose is never going to be too far away from a Masters. He seems to have learned the key to putting this year as well, so you would have to fancy him thereabouts. Then you are looking at Bubba (Watson) and Justin Thomas, but I am going to stick to my man at 24/1, young McIlroy.”
“I think this could be the year that he hopefully competes the Grand Slam and it would be a great achievement for a fellow at 28 years of age.”
Is it Rory’s time to shine?
Golf media have been looking at the numbers around Rory this week, but he’s not letting history impact his plans for Augusta at his 10th attempt.
“I mean, there’s loads of different numbers you could throw around,” said McIlroy earlier this week.
“You can mention (Ben) Hogan and (Sam) Snead on their 10th go. Arnold (Palmer) won his first Masters at 28. There’s a lot of different comparisons you could make. But it’s all really meaningless unless you go out there and actually do it.”
“I feel like I’ve been here long enough and I’ve played enough rounds around here to know how to play this golf course well and well enough to win.”
“I never come in here thinking I’ve served my time and this is my turn because it’s never your turn. You have to go out and get it.”
Looking at bookmakers odds this morning (Thursday), Jordan Spieth is still the front-runner to take this year’s crown at 10.1. He’s followed by Justin Thomasn (11/1), Rory McIlroy (11/1), Tiger Woods (12/1), Justin Rose (12/1) and Dustin Johnson (13/1). However, as The Masters has shown over the years, it can genuinely be anyone’s title and all comes down to play on the day.
