Many still looking to cut Woods at Masters

McIlroy, Watson refuse to rule out the now 111th-ranked golfer as a threat

AUGUSTA: Tiger Woods last won a major title in 2008 and hasn't won the Masters in a decade, but top-ranked Rory McIlroy will be watching out for him this week all the same.

The 79th Masters opens on Thursday at Augusta National with McIlroy seeking his first green jacket and third major crown in a row to complete a career Grand Slam while Woods, who has fallen to 111th in the world rankings, contends for a 15th career major after a nightmare year of injuries and inconsistent form.

"I think everyone is just curious to see how he comes back," said McIlroy about Woods. "I don't think you should ever underestimate him. He has done things on the golf course that are pretty special.”

Defending champion Bubba Watson can match Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Nick Faldo as the only players to win back-to-back Masters crowns and match Nicklaus as the only ones to win three green jackets in a four-season span.

Factor in young stars seeking a first major win such as Jordan Spieth and Jason Day, sprinkle in some skilled past champions such as Adam Scott and Phil Mickelson and mix in the stunning backdrop of Augusta National's treacherous greens and towering pines with the dramatic legacy of Amen Corner and Rae's Creek, and the scene is set for an impressive first major of 2015.

Coming off a break

Woods has been idle for more than two months since withdrawing after 11 holes at Torrey Pines in February. And that came off a career-worst 82 in the second round at Phoenix. "I'm excited to be back playing at this level," he said. "I feel like my game is finally ready to compete at the highest level."

Watson knows that Woods, 39, will draw extra energy from his Masters history, which includes eight top-six finishes in his past nine appearances. "Tiger has taken enough time off to where he wants to be back and obviously he's pretty good around this place, so he is excited," said Watson. "This place brings it out in you."

Spieth, who settled for second behind Watson last year after leading on Sunday with a chance to win his Masters debut and become the event's youngest champion, says he longs for the chance to battle Woods for a green jacket. "It’s a dream I think for everybody to try and take Tiger down on the back nine of Augusta,” said Spieth. “But [I'm] certainly rooting for him. He wouldn't be here if he wasn't ready, and [I'm] excited to see him back at the top of his game."

 

Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.