1. Rory McIlroy’s quest for the career grand slam
Eventually, one of two things will happen. Either McIlroy’s career at Augusta will end, or he’ll win the Masters. Until one of those occurs, this will be the lead storyline for every Masters that he’s a part of.
Only five men — Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Ben Hogan, Gary Player and Gene Sarazen — have won the modern grand slam of the Masters, U.S. Open, British Open and PGA Championship.
All of those men have at least seven majors. In fact, all but Sarazen have nine or more. Sarazen likely would have won more, but the Masters wasn’t even founded until he was in his prime. And a total of 14 majors were not contested from 1940-1945 because of World War II.
We could also look at the guys who have not won it. That illustrious list includes the likes of Sam Snead, Byron Nelson, Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino, Tom Watson, and although he still has a chance, Phil Mickelson.
McIlroy, who isn’t even 28, can do something that some of the very best golfers in history could not do throughout their careers. That’s certainly a storyline to follow.