Woods' 'Title Defense' vs McIlroy's 'Career Slam'... "Who Will Own the November Masters?"

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] Woods' 'Title Defense' vs McIlroy's 'Career Grand Slam.'

The biggest point of interest in the 'November Masters.' Originally scheduled to open on the 9th, this season's first major, the Masters (total prize money $11 million), was indefinitely postponed due to the recent spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the United States, but has now been tentatively set for November 12. Since its establishment in 1934, this is the first time it will be held in the fall. This time, the spotlight is even more intense due to Woods' title defense.

Woods has already donned the Green Jacket five times?in 1997, 2001, 2002, 2005, and last year. This is a golden opportunity to reach Jack Nicklaus' (USA) record for most Masters wins (6 wins). Last year was especially significant as it marked the restart of his major championship victories after 11 years since the 2008 US Open. It was his 15th major win, bringing him within three wins of Nicklaus' record of 18 major victories. He expressed confidence, saying, "My condition is very good."

McIlroy is the player to watch. Last March, he won the Players Championship, known as the 'fifth major,' followed by victories at the Canadian Open in June and the Tour Championship in August, earning him the 'Player of the Year' title. In the 2020 season, he continued his sharp rise by finishing in the 'top 5' in all six tournaments, including the November HSBC Champions win. It is interesting that he is particularly strong in the fall. Of his 18 PGA Tour wins, 9 have come after August.

Both players are expected to face seasonal factors at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, USA, which differ from April. The average November temperature in Augusta ranges from a low of 5°C to a high of 20.5°C, lower than the April average low of 8.8°C and high of 25°C. Sunrise is around 7 a.m. in both months, but sunset shifts from about 7:50 p.m. in April to around 5:25 p.m. in November. The PGA Tour analyzed that "with north winds blowing, it will be difficult to reach the green in two shots on par-5 holes such as the 8th, 13th, and 15th."

The organizers, Augusta National, are concerned about competing with the popularity of American football. The PGA Tour stated, "On November 14, when the third round is played, local college football home games are scheduled," adding, "Although the NFL schedule has not yet been released, coincidentally CBS broadcasts both the Masters and NFL games." The 'Masters economics,' which generates $120 million (1.455 trillion KRW) in revenue in just one week, is another point of interest.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.