McIlroy's '2nd Victory Hunt' vs Johnson's 'Title Defense'... "Mexico is Now a Battle of Money"

'Donjanchi' Clash in WGC Series Round 2, 'Number 3' Jon Rahm Joins, Korea's Kang Sung-hoon Declares Entry

World No. 1 Rory McIlroy challenges for 'WGC back-to-back wins' at the Mexico Championship.

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] 'New Golf Emperor' Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) is on a '2-win hunt.'

On the night of the 20th (Korean time), the Mexico Championship (total prize money $10.5 million) held at Chapultepec Golf Club in Mexico City, Mexico (par 71, 7,345 yards) is the second stage of the 2019/2020 World Golf Championships (WGC) series, famous for its 'money feast.' The winner's prize is $1,785,000 (2.11 billion KRW), and even the last place receives $50,000 (60 million KRW). Dustin Johnson (USA) is defending his title, joined by world No. 3 Jon Rahm (Spain) and No. 4 Justin Thomas (USA).

▲ McIlroy "WGC 2 consecutive wins GO" = McIlroy was named 'Player of the Year' last year, leading with three wins. He won The Players Championship, known as the '5th Major,' in March, the Canadian Open in June, and the Tour Championship, the final third playoff (PO) event, in August, hitting a '15 million dollar (17.76 billion KRW) jackpot.' In November, at the WGC series HSBC Champions, which is included in the 2020 season, he defeated Xander Schauffele (USA) in a playoff, gaining momentum.

He warmed up with a tie for 3rd place at last month's Farmers Insurance Open, but at the Genesis Invitational that ended on the 17th, he lost two strokes on the final day after starting as the leader, dropping to a tie for 5th place, leaving some regret. His performance is naturally top-notch. In four tournaments, he has finished in the top 5 every time, with one win, two ties for 3rd, and one tie for 5th. For McIlroy, there is additional motivation to avenge last year's runner-up finish at this event.

Dustin Johnson has started his title defense at the Mexico Championship.

▲ Johnson "I'm the man of WGC" = It is worth noting that Johnson is called the 'WGC slammer.' Starting with the 2013 HSBC Champions, he swept all four different trophies: this tournament in 2015 (then Cadillac Championship), the 2016 Bridgestone Invitational, and the 2017 Dell Technologies Match Play. In 2017, he achieved a rare record of consecutive WGC series wins for the first time in four years since Tiger Woods (Cadillac Championship-Bridgestone) by winning both the Dell Match Play and this tournament.

This tournament, especially since 2015, has been a 'promised land' where he has claimed the top spot three times in the last five years during odd-numbered years including 2017 and last year. Last year, he showcased his power by hitting a 404-yard driver tee shot on the 11th hole (par 5), completing a dominant 5-stroke victory (21-under-par 263). The fact that Chapultepec is located at an altitude over 2,000 meters is welcome news. Experts have pointed to Johnson as the strongest favorite to win.

'The epitome of long putting,' Adam Scott is aiming for back-to-back victories at the Mexico Championship.

▲ Scott "I've got a feel for winning" = Adam Scott (Australia) is showing a strong upward trend. After tuning his shot sense with a win at the Australian PGA Championship on the Australian Tour last December, he immediately secured his first PGA Tour victory at this year's Genesis Invitational, gaining momentum. Most notably, he overcame the challenging greens of Riviera Golf Course with an average of just 1.69 putts per hole, a 'stingy putting' performance. His 47-inch broomstick long putter proved effective.

Another long hitter, Bubba Watson (USA), is a dark horse. He has been frustrated with three runner-up finishes in 2012, 2014, and 2016. Patrick Reed (USA), the 2014 winner, is aiming to reclaim the top spot after six years. South Korea is led by Kang Sung-hoon (33), who is challenging for his second career win, riding the momentum from his runner-up finish at the Genesis Invitational. Sungjae Im (22), Byeong-Hun An (29, both from CJ Logistics), and Taehee Lee (36) will also participate together.