Saturday, April 9, 2011

McIlroy's Moment Has Arrived

   Rory McIlroy's moment has arrived.

   He takes a four-stroke lead into the final round of the Masters and if he plays anywhere near like he's played the first three days, McIlroy will have his first green jacket by Sunday evening.

   Someone may beat him but I don't see McIlroy blowing it. He's too good. Too solid. He's made for winning tournaments like this.

  He's 21 but he's older than that in golf years. Some guys privately fear the big stage. They step back when the light gets the brightest. Not McIlroy. He soaks up the sun.

   The player he most has to fear behind him is Angel Cabrera, his partner in the final pairing. Cabrera has won the Masters before -- and the U.S. Open -- and he's tougher than a Siberian winter. He won't scare and he's capable of glaring the green jacket onto his thick shoulders.

   Maybe Jason Day finds another round like his second-round 64. Maybe Charl Schwartzel shoots 66. Maybe K.J. Choi makes all the little putts and a few long ones.

   More likely, Sunday delivers the first of several major championships to Rory McIlroy.