With the absence of Tiger Woods and the potential absences of Phil Mickelson and Jason Day, the PGA is scrambling for a star to draw an audience. Enter Rory McIlroy, who has vowed to assume the role Tiger has left behind.
McIlroy spoke recently about the lack of “star” power for the Masters this year and added in that he would be this year's star. McIloy spoke to BBC Sports about the state of golf at the moment.
"Golf's in a funny place at the minute. You are getting so many different winners and there are not as many guys dominating the sport like in the past with Tiger, Vijay and Phil. I'd like to establish myself as that sort of player and someone's got to step up, so I'm trying to be that person and it would be a great place to start next week.”
McIllroy topped the field in the 2011 U.S. Open to win his first major championship and added one more in the 2012 PGA Championship. McIlroy has fallen off the pack a bit in recent years and hasn't had a major win since that PGA in 2012. McIlroy was seen as the heir to Tiger’s throne at one point and if he is going to return to form the Masters is the perfect time to do it.
Rory also spoke about knowing long before the public that Tiger wasn't going to compete in the Masters .
"I knew that it was going to happen, but I didn't realize it was so serious that he needed surgery," he said. "Obviously everyone wishes him a speedy recovery and hopefully he gets back very soon because golf is better with Tiger Woods playing.”
In true gentleman fashion Rory stated he wanted to be the next big thing in golf, but wanted it to come through Tiger Woods. With all the heavy hitters possibly out of the Masters, McIlroy might be the star the PGA needs
Can Rory become the next big thing in golf? Tell us @SportsWN
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