Honda Classic 2012 Leaderboard: Rory McIlroy Solidifies Claim as Future of Golf

If there is one golfer that you should acquaint yourself with going forward, it's Rory McIlroy. In opening round play at the Honda Classic he proved to be one of the brightest players in the field. 

When Thursday ended for McIlroy in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, he was at 4-under 66 and sat tied for second behind field leader Davis Love III. 

We continue to wait for Tiger Woods to reappear from his two-year slump, but it's time to ask who the next Tiger Woods will be and that is invariably McIlroy. 

One of the easiest showings of the day came from the 22-year-old kid from Northern Ireland who showed a command yet an ease in his approach. 

On the flip side was, of course, Woods. He is the mammoth legend by which every golfer is measured. 

It's impossible to extrapolate the future of the sport after just one round of golf at the Honda Classic, a fine tournament, but not the pressure cooker of the Masters. 

However, we can say the time has run out for Woods who we only hope can one day get himself out of this horrendous funk. 

The first thing to leave you is putting, and Woods was back to bricking a great many of them at the Honda Classic. He drove the wall like vintage Tiger, but couldn't putt or par to save his life as he finished 1-over 71. 

McIlroy is a consummate gamer that works to hone his craft, a wise old man in a young body. He explains as mush at the Classic. Via ESPN. 

"

I might be a little more focused on what I'm doing. I'm working harder than ever, and I haven't really reaped the rewards of it yet. I've been very consistent, but I haven't won. ... I've played three tournaments this year and had a couple of chances to win. I feel like it's very close.

"

The major tournaments are around the corner and Rory McIlroy is in fine form already. At 22, he is only going to get more refined and more in tune with what this sport demands. 

The scary part is what happens if he captures the glory this weekend, because that will guarantee the No. 1 spot in men's golf, a spot I wouldn't dare think he would relinquish anytime soon. 

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