Rory McIlroy is a repeat Masters champion. The next step might be the toughest of all
AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — The passing comment Fred Couples said to his caddie on the 12th hole of the opening round at the Masters was worth another listen when Rory McIlroy slipped both arms into the green jacket for the second year in a row. “Rory may never lose this thing again after last year,” Couples said.
Not that McIlroy ever makes it easy, but there is cause to wonder how many times his name will be etched on the Masters trophy, how often he gets to create the menu for the Masters Club dinner . For now, his two green jackets are as many as Scottie Scheffler, who is seven years younger. The next step is three in a row, which has proven difficult for the three greats before him.
None of them so much as finished in the top 10. Jack Nicklaus missed the cut in 1967 as the two-time defending champion. Nick Faldo was never closer than five shots after the opening round in 1991.
Tiger Woods was going for three in a row in 2003 when he shot 76 in the first round and was 10 shots back. He had a 66 on Saturday to get within four and then closed with a 75. McIlroy is at a stage where he wants majors more than he needs them, particularly with the career Grand Slam out of the way.
Faldo predicts he will get another slam. McIlroy needs another claret jug and a U. S.
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