The Masters Power Rankings: Top ten picks to don the green jacket

7 of 11

AUGUSTA, GA – APRIL 02: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland reacts to a shot during a practice round prior to the start of the 2018 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 2, 2018 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

A lot of the doubt cast on Rory McIlroy was washed away with his recent win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

McIlroy went over a year without a victory due to injury and inconsistency. His drive for the game was in question, though it really shouldn’t have been.

Now apparently healthy and in good stead, McIlroy is back among the favorites to don the green jacket. If he does, it will complete the career grand slam to join his U.S. Open, Open Championship and two PGA Championship trophies.

McIlroy is 8-for-9 in cuts made at the Masters and has played four rounds every year since 2011. He’s racked up four top-10s in a row since 2014 (T8, 4, T10, T7) and is a cumulative 14-under-par in that stretch.

After his Masters collapse in 2011 where he led by four going into Sunday, the heat’s been on when McIlroy steps on the grounds. Some of that pressure seems diminished with so many other big storylines swirling around him.

McIlroy has the talent to bring Augusta to its knees as long as he’s not playing from the pine straw. His putting stats are up, but he’s only 121st in driving percentage. If he’s finding fairways, it could be game over for the rest of the field.

Home/Golf Power Rankings