Texas Open two-top Jimmy Walker and Jordan Spieth have good reason to be pleased Rory McIlroy next week will shoulder much of the pre-Masters media hype.
It is now just nine days to the new season’s first Major and with both Walker and Spieth easily the most in-form pair on the PGA Tour.
Walker captured a second PGA Tour title in six starts with an emphatic four shot Valero Texan Open victory over fellow Lone Star State-born Spieth who was seeking a second straight success, as well as a hopeful third triumph in nine events.
New Valero Texas Open winner Jimmy Walker delighted Rory McIlroy will be hogging all the Masters media hype next week. (Photo – www.pgatour.com)
Walker, who is also the only multiple PGA Tour winner this year, got his first look in a 12 months at Augusta National yesterday (MON) since finishing T8th in his 2014 debut appearance.
The 36-year old also spending today (TUES) again in the company of Gleneagles fourball and foursomes partner Rickie Fowler familiarizing themselves with venue for the April 9th starting Masters.
And with the overwhelming pressure to be on McIlroy’s shoulders both Walker and Spieth believe it could make it easier for the Texans to slip into an Augusta National green jacket.
“Rory is going to be under a huge spotlight and that suits me fine,” said Walker.
- Jordan Spieth also pleased much of the Masters focus will be on McIlroy when players get to Augusta National next week. (Photo – www.pgatour.com)
A year ago Spieth went within a whisker of joining a select few to have won the Masters on debut and like Walker, he is also more than happy to let McIlroy bask in the Masters media limelight.
“I believe all the attention that will be focused on Rory when we get to the Masters is going to make it easier for all the other guys,” said Spieth.
“Of course, if Tiger elects to compete then that is going to divide the spotlight between he and Rory.
“So it’s going to be nice knowing you’re not going to be pounded by questions and questions so I can see it only helping me that I have to talk less about the Masters than what Rory and or Tiger will be facing.”
And Spieth’s effort has seen him move to No. 4 in the world and closer to dethroning McIlroy.
“That’s cool as I am inching closer and closer each week,” added Spieth.
“I am just trying to take advantage of it but then I’m not pinching myself, because there’s still three guys ahead of me, so I’m just trying to climb up.”
