McIlroy "Is the Autumn Masters Advantageous?"

'Old Golf Emperor' Nicklaus Outlook "McIlroy Especially Strong Since August"

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] The probability of world No.1 Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland, photo) winning the Masters has increased.

The 'former golf emperor' Jack Nicklaus (USA) said in an interview with the Golf Channel on the 9th (Korean time), "McIlroy tends to perform well in the fall, having won the Tour Championship twice," and predicted, "The postponement of the tournament to November will work to his advantage." The Masters, originally scheduled to open on the night of the 9th, was indefinitely postponed due to the spread of COVID-19 in the United States, but has now been confirmed to be held on November 12.

Of McIlroy's total 18 PGA Tour wins, an impressive 9 were achieved after August. This shows his particular strength in 'autumn golf.' At the 'playoff (PO) final third round' Tour Championship, he secured his second win last year following his 2016 victory, hitting a '15 million dollar (18.3 billion KRW) jackpot.' Moreover, East Lake in Atlanta, Georgia, where the intense competition takes place, is only about 230 km away from Augusta National in Georgia, where the Masters is held.

For McIlroy, the Masters is especially the last puzzle piece on his way to the 'Career Grand Slam.' He collected three championship trophies at the 2011 US Open, 2012 PGA Championship, and 2014 The Open. However, the Masters has been a source of frustration for six consecutive years with finishes such as tied 4th in 2015, tied 10th in 2016, tied 7th in 2017, tied 5th in 2018, and tied 21st last year. This time, of course, the situation is different. In the 2020 season, he has demonstrated destructive power by finishing in the 'top 5' in all six tournaments, including one win.